Gov. Doyle: Governor Doyle, Wisconsin Trade Delegation Help Raise Funds for Shanghai Pudong Charity Hospital
3/25/2004

Contact: Jessica Erickson, Governor's Office, 608-261-2156

Wisconsin Companies Give Thousands of Dollars, Donate a GE X-ray Machine and 28 Water Heaters

SHANGHAI - Governor Jim Doyle and members of the Wisconsin Trade Mission to China participated in a dinner Thursday benefiting a major charity hospital in Shanghai that provides services to 170,000 impoverished Chinese citizens. The delegation donated more than $20,000 to support the critical mission of the hospital.

"Not only will these gifts help people in Shanghai get access to lifesaving health care, but they will build goodwill toward our state," Governor Doyle said. "They will also showcase the high-tech medical equipment made by Wisconsin companies."

The hospital lacks adequate medical equipment to provide treatment to all those who need it. To help address this shortage, GE Medical donated an X-ray machine. A.O. Smith also donated 28 hot water heaters, and installed them for the hospital. Previously, patients in the hospital had to bathe in cold water.

Governor Doyle thanked the Wisconsin Children's Hospital, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, CUNA Mutual, State Senator Bob Jauch, and many Wisconsin companies who made generous contributions to the effort.

"We recognize that trade depends on a strong relationship between China and Wisconsin," Governor Doyle said. "The friendships that we are building here will become the basis for greater understanding, and ultimately, greater trade between us. If we do this right, we can create jobs in both China and Wisconsin, raise wages, and raise living standards for the benefit of all our people."

The event was attended by Shanghai Vice Mayor Yang Xiaodu and U.S. Consul General Douglas G. Spelman. It was heavily attended by local media in Shanghai.

Governor Doyle is in China from March 19-31, leading the largest trade mission in Wisconsin history. Individuals interested in following the trade mission can check out the Governor's daily blog by going to the Governor's website at www.wisgov.state.wi.us and clicking on China Trade Mission. The blog includes the Governor's reflections on the trip, pictures, and soundclips.

A digital photo and a soundclip from the charity dinner can also be found on the Governor's blog at www.wisgov.state.wi.us.