Auction lifts hopes, cash

By Lu Feiran  |   2008-6-13  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

A CHARITY auction in Shanghai yesterday raised more than 6.2 million yuan (US$885,714) for the earthquake victims in Sichuan Province.

Organized by the Shanghai Charity Foundation and the Shanghai Auction Industry Association, the auction included paintings, curios, jewelry, as well as an apartment donated by a local retired teacher.

The Shanghai International Auction Service Co Ltd bought Shen Cuiying's apartment in Xuhui District for 4.5 million yuan, the highest price of all the lots.

The company said its staff was moved to see Shen and her family donate the apartment, giving up a profitable source of rent. "We will sell the apartment next year, and the profit will be also donated to help the quake survivors," said Fan Ganping, the general manager of the company.

"I'm very glad to see so many people willing to help me fulfill my wish to do something for the people in Sichuan," said Shen.

The proceeds will go to school rebuilding, organizers said.

Zhai Yujia, a 11-year-old girl who studies in Dahushan Primary School, donated her signed sporting memorabilia from Yao Ming and Roger Federer.