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

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.