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SCMP Reporter

THANKS TO overwhelming support from the public, including thousands of teachers and students, Project Shield has raised more than $14 million.

Liu Po Shan Memorial College in Tsuen Wan, for instance, collected more than $20,000 within three days.

'The immediate response was wonderful,' said civic education teacher Lam Man-yee. 'Every class came up with a certain amount.'

International Christian School has also raised $10,000 towards the cause last week.

The campaign is organised by the SCMP to equip medical workers treating Sars patients with the protective equipment.

Meanwhile, 11 educators' organisations have started a separate fund-raising campaign, Teachers against Sars, to offer financial help to those affected by Sars.

Their target groups include patients, families of those who have died and people laid off because of the outbreak, such as restaurant workers.

'Teachers are less affected by the outbreak, and we should care for people in need,' said Michael Wong Wai-yu, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Heads of Secondary Schools, one of the organisers.

'We also hope to set an example and show students that even in the face of such a crisis, we should all do our best to help others,' he said.

While the organisers originally set out to raise funds only from teachers, an enthusiastic public response has encouraged them to reach out to students and their families, Mr Wong said.

A kick-off ceremony is scheduled for May 20 in Kwai Chung.

THE 11 EDUCATORS' ORGANISATIONS:

Hong Kong Association Of Heads Of Secondary Schools

Hong Kong Teachers' Association

Government Educational Staff Union

Subsidised Primary Schools Council

Union of Government Primary School Headmasters and Headmistresses

Federation of Hong Kong Higher Education Staff Associations.

The Academic Staff Association of the Hong Kong Institute of Education

Hong Kong Special Schools Council

Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union

Association of Government Education Administrators

Hong Kong Council of Social Service

Find more information at :

Visit www.scmp.com for details of Project Shield. Donations to Teachers against Sars should be credited to Hang Sang Bank account 024-385-312061-001.



Schools rally to Project Shield