A Chinese charity function, which raised more than 11 million
yuan (US$1.38 million) for needy overseas groups on Thursday
evening, again proved the saying that "love is boundless."
With the theme "Love and Charity," the activity was jointly
sponsored by the China Charity Federation (CCF), the Red Cross
Society of China and the Tiens Group Ltd in Tianjin
Municipality.
Described as China's largest charity activity aimed to offer
help overseas, the activity attracted about 30,000 spectators.
More than 3,000 foreigners from 30 countries and regions who
have been the beneficiaries of Chinese financial aid also attended
the event and expressed their gratitude by dancing and singing.
"Helping vulnerable people, no matter in China or overseas,
shows that Chinese people care about the young and the old, women
and the disabled," Fan Baojun, president of CCF, said at the
event.
"Not only the government, but also the whole of society, should
participate in this undertaking. We hope that with today's event,
with many celebrities attending, charity functions may receive more
public attention."
More than 100 fund-raising boxes were passing among function
spectators. Preliminary statistics show that at least 11 million
yuan (US$1.38 million) was collected, and organizers said the money
would be used to assist the neediest in foreign countries, such as
in Africa.
"I'm more than glad to see that Chinese people are so kind and
generous in assisting people from other countries," said Barbara
Mogae, first lady of the Republic of Botswana, who joined the
event. "As the representative of foreign beneficiaries here today,
I want to say thank you."
China started assisting foreign countries in the 1950s, and by
the end of 2003, 146 countries had received aid from China,
according to the CCF. About 550,000 technicians were dispatched
overseas to help build 1,740 projects in such industries as
agriculture, irrigation, paper-making, chemicals and textiles.
(China Daily May 22, 2006)