In the wake of a massive earthquake in China on Monday, the Chinese people have donated $192-million toward the relief effort, an unprecedented philanthropic campaign for the country, reports The Washington Post.

In a country with no organized philanthropy or independent nonprofit organizations, Chinese officials’ request for aid was an unusual move. Many Chinese, either as individuals or through their workplaces, have responded to the need to help the estimated 10 million people affected by the earthquake.

Many Chinese people are wary of Chinese nonprofit organizations, which are controlled by the government and are frequently accused of corruption, the paper says. It reports that many are instead giving to foreign nonprofit organizations like the Chinese Red Cross.

In response to concerns, the Chinese government has said it will allow independent supervision of the way aid funds are spent, as well as an audit after the relief effort is completed.

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