Youngsters, musicians and shoppers give generously
From politicians to rock stars and children, yesterday was a day the community opened its hearts - and bank accounts - to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake.
Just about every corner and shopping mall had a collector - more than 60 organisations have been granted permits to collect donations. Political parties such as the Civic Party, the Democratic Party and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong put aside their differences for the greater good.
Political rivals Anson Chan Fang On-sang and Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who contested the Legislative Council's Hong Kong Island seat, both attended a function at Times Square to call for donations for the victims.
Charities such as Unicef, the Salvation Army and World Vision Hong Kong directed their energies to various fund-raising events, aiming to capitalise on the fact most people were off work for the weekend.
James Wong, 13, said he was giving his pocket money for the month to the quake victims because so many had been at school. 'It's sad to hear that so many schools fell down and so many children died,' he said.