Our city digs deep for a charity of true love

By Lu Feiran  |   2009-1-19  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy from Sichuan Province had leg surgery at Renji Hospital yesterday ?? the first of many people who will benefit from charity event "True Love Under The Blue Sky" organized by the Shanghai Charity Foundation.

Zeng broke his leg when he was just one. Treatment at several hospitals was unsuccessful and, with Zeng's mother blind, the family found the medical expenses of about 30,000 yuan (US$4,387) impossible. The latest operation was a success and Zeng is expected to walk and run like other children soon, the hospital said.

Yesterday's event was also raising money to help needy people during the Spring Festival. About 20,000 young volunteers were out on the streets collecting donations.

"I believe it is worth it to sacrifice the weekend on doing something for those who need help," said Yang Fei, a student volunteer from the Wu'ai High School.

More than half of Yang's classmates took part in the event, she said.

Also yesterday, a charity auction at the Longhua Temple in Xuhui District raised more than 3 million yuan.

The City Shop at the Shanghai Center took part by donating profits from the sale of Taiwan-imported fruit.

This was the ninth "True Love Under The Blue Sky" charity event in the city.