The buzz

Government officials like to trumpet Hong Kong's impressive showings on annual rankings of global economic freedom and anti-corruption, but many people may not know the city is also regularly ranked as one of the most charitable.

After the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, Hongkongers donated more per person than anywhere else in the world; last year, Hong Kong ranked 18th on the Charities Aid Foundation's 'world giving index', with 70 per cent of residents making donations to charities - the highest level in the region, nearly double that of Taiwan.

Interestingly, the city's philanthropic nature is believed to have stemmed from the British colonial government's hands-off policy towards welfare. Voluntary organisations stepped in to provide health, education, and other social services, leading to a strong charitable sector that continues to thrive in these post-colonial times.

While barely a week goes by without a benefit of some kind, a range of events have been announced for the coming weeks to raise funds for the victims of the recent Japan earthquake and tsunami that shows Hong Kong's spirit of giving is alive and well.

First up is the big one: the Love Without Borders Candlelight Gala being held at Victoria Park from 7pm this Sunday. Hosted, of course, by action movie star Jackie Chan, the concert will feature about 100 performers including big names from the world of Canto-pop such as Alan Tam Wing-lun and Shirley Kwan Suk-yee, along with Chinese-American rapper MC Jin. The main performers have also recorded a theme song for the event, Succumb Not to Sorrow, which is based on a Japanese poem.

Earlier that day, Shirley Kwan will also be performing at another benefit - the Pray for Japan fund-raiser at Discovery Bay Plaza. Starting at 1pm, the concert will also feature a host of interesting local acts including 31G, Helium 3 and Jing Wong, along with the Pray for Japan Big Band, who will add a bit of swing to this sombre occasion.