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.