HONG KONG (SE): The Caritas Charity TV Show, organised by the Friends of Caritas, was telecast on July 10 on TVB Jade.
As of mid-July, the donations had exceeded $13 million and were expected to reach at least $20 million with more donations coming along with the support of a matching fund.
Besides being a fundraising programme, the annual event has, since 1996, been an effective platform for helping the public better understand the diverse services provided by Caritas for the past 68 years.
A lighting ceremony was officiated by John Cardinal Tong Hon, apostolic administrator of Hong Kong, together with Jacinto Tong Man-leung, chief executive of Gale Well Group; Francis Law Sau-fai, director of Toyo Mall Limited; Gu Xuan, chairperson of the Caritas Fund Raising Committee and the deputy chief executive of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) as well as Andrew Chan Tak-kuen, chairperson of Friends of Caritas.
Services offered by Caritas were introduced to illustrate how it helps the needy to overcome trials and bring them hope.
Popular singers, together with pianist Zhang Shengliang and the Hong Kong Youth Chinese Orchestra, were invited to share positive messages through musical performances. A performance by renowned singer, Liza Wang Ming-chuen, brought the show to its crescendo.
A total of 68 donation hotlines were sponsored by AMTD Foundation. The Lo Siu Tong Charity Fund also contributed a $10 million matching donation, meaning the fund will donate one dollar for every two dollars raised from the public. The Bank of China Credit Card also offered a $100,000 matching fund for online donations.
Donation channels are still open for the donors to contribute. Details can be found through at: www.caritas.org.hk/en/fund_raising/detail/20
