Shanghai has registered a total of 10 billion yuan (over US$1.3 billion), in lottery sales, from which the city has pooled over 3 billion yuan in welfare funds since 1998.

The lottery sales have so far produced 267 millionairs, among which some 147 got a 5 million yuan prize.

According to Shanghai-based Labor Daily, the pool of welfare funds has mainly gone to support senior citizens, orphans, and disabled citizens and veterans. Around 80 percent of the funds were allocated from 2001 to 2004 to the Starlight Program, a welfare scheme that targets the elderly.

The funds have also made it possible for Shanghai to establish around 240 elderly service centers and some 2,300 activity centers for its senior citizens by the end of last year.
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(CRI.cn March 28, 2007)