The name of the event certainly had a touch of irony, but the
steadily falling snow in Shanghai didn't freeze people's hearts for
helping those less fortunate.
Thousands took part in the annual one-day event, "True Love
Under The Blue Sky," organized by the Shanghai Charity Foundation,
with the aim of aiding needy families as the Spring Festival
approaches.
About 20,000 volunteers hit the streets to collect donations in
the snow.
Most volunteers were middle-school and college students. Shixi
High School had two classes of about 80 students collecting
donations on Nanjing Road W.
"I wouldn't blame my students if they stayed away from the event
due to the heavy snow, but everyone turned up," said a teacher from
the school surnamed Liu. "I'm quite touched ... even a student
running a fever came this morning."
Residents of the city's
Yangpu District brave the snow to make donations into a cash box
held by a volunteer with the Shanghai Charity Foundation. The
annual event raises money for local needy people. (photo:
Shanghai Daily)
Al Zequeira, a visitor from Los Angeles who made a donation on
Nanjing Road, said it was wonderful that so many people took part
in a charity event in such bad weather.
In the morning, about 100 hardy people, many from far-flung
areas, visited Jiangwan Stadium in Yangpu District where a
temporary "charity supermarket" was set up, with proceeds going
towards the cause. A woman surnamed Wang bought 600 yuan (US$83.20)
worth of products in the supermarket with two friends.
"We are from Putuo District, and got up at 6am," she said. "We
take part in the event every year. It's a win-win situation to find
something I need and donate to charity."
In the afternoon, more than 1.73 million yuan was raised at an
auction for needy cataract patients, deaf and mute children, and
kids with congenital heart problems.
More than 100 bidders competed fiercely for more than 40 items,
such as Chinese paintings and calligraphy, seal-carving works and
decorations.
Bidder Roger Lin said he loves to make contributions to society
via charity auctions. "I think it's comforting to know where my
donations go."
(Shanghai Daily January 28, 2008)
