By William Gonzalo Vega Salas, Member of the organization for The "Charity lunch for Peru", Phd Candidate at Renmin University of China

In the last few weeks, heavy and intense rains, which resulted from the phenomenon of El Niño, hit Peru and caused hundreds of deaths, with more than 800,000 people affected, over 100,000 homes destroyed and more than a thousand roads and bridges collapsed.

Huge rivers made of mud and stones suddenly came crashing in and destroyed everything that had been in its path. People were crying and suffering in the middle of the catastrophe, struggling to survive and to flee from the horror.

It was one of the most terrible natural disasters to strike Peru in its recorded history. But amid the tragic scene, there were still moments to give hope to the Peruvian people.

Regardless of the risk, work, duties, etc. many Peruvians, Chinese and other foreigners in Peru had immediately gone into action to help victims. A friend in Peru told me he was part of an aid group, and when he approached a destroyed site he could see people from different economic status, from everywhere helping each other, working hard, and giving the best of themselves to help each other out.

You could sense a spirit of collaboration, an energy that we are together as a united strength. Because in difficult times that is when we learn to know who we really are.

Many Peruvians from around the world had witnessed the events and we could not take actions from afar. Then Peruvians in the US, Europe and other parts of the planet stopped doing what they were doing to organize events and help our country mates in the difficult situation. 

China was no exception when it came to rushing to the aid of Peru. Enthusiastic and strong teams were organized in Shanghai, Guangdong and other parts of the country. And now it's Beijing's turn.

The Peruvian community in Beijing, together with the Embassy of Peru in China and China's Public Diplomacy & Cultural Exchange Center, is organizing a humanitarian lunch with several artistic shows to raise funds for the victims.

Thanks to all the companies, volunteers, artists, and everybody else who hope to make the activity a big success because together we can do everything.

For those willing to participate in the activity, you can find us this April 22 at 11:30 a.m. in China's Public Diplomacy & Cultural Exchange Center (Beijing Chaoyang District No. 78. Jianguo Road).

(The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com)

Panview offers a new window of understanding the world as well as China through the views, opinions, and analysis of experts. We also welcome outside submissions, so feel free to send in your own editorials to "globalopinion@vip.cntv.cn" for consideration.