Pupils multiply sum for charity

Little acts of charity add up to big ones. That is what 900 primary school pupils learned when they took part in a fund-raiser that mixed mathematics with helping the needy.

Kowloon Junior School pupils took part in a maths test last June in which every correct answer produced a cash reward. At the end of the day the little mathematicians had multiplied their contributions to the grand sum of $147,000, which was then divided between six charities.

Kowloon Junior School principal G. T. Davies said the school has had a long tradition of organising charity activities. At the end of the year, the students and teachers collect Christmas hampers which they give to children's homes, along with gifts of toys.

The youngsters also hold cookie sales once a fortnight to raise money for the charity World Vision. But the recent 'Mathsathon' has been the biggest fund-raiser so far.

At first the school planned to raise money for two charity groups. But when donations far exceeded expectations the number was raised to six.

'I was thrilled with the response,' Mr Davies said.

The principal said it was good for the pupils to realise that there were so many deprived children in society who needed their help.

'And they need to know it's a responsibility to help those who are less privileged,' he added.

Mr Davies said the students voted for the charities and organisations they wished to support. Cheques were presented to representatives of all six groups recently at morning assembly.

The recipients included four children's charities - the Home of Loving Faithfulness; the Society for the Relief of Disabled Children; the Hans Andersen Club, and the Heep Hong Society.

Proceeds also went to the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Cynthia Smillie of the RSPCA has not yet decided what to do with the $21,000 given by the youngsters, but said she would take the students' wishes into account. She said 600 to 800 dogs were surrendered to the RSPCA every month and suggested the money could help prevent the dogs being put down.