Former Hong Kong film star Ann Bridgewater (aka Pak On-nei) has kept a low profile since becoming a health care worker more than a decade ago - until a book fund-raiser last Thursday.
Bridgewater (right), now an occupational therapist for the non-profit organisation, Child Development Centre at Matilda, launched the book to raise funds for the centre.
Titled Hong Kong's Biggest Alphabet Book, the children's publication consists of simple drawings by celebrities such as former national gymnastic athlete Sang Lan, director Peter Chan, students from international schools, artists such as SCMP illustrator Harry Harrison and poems by local writer Nury Vittachi.
'It's a good opportunity to catch up with some old friends who I haven't met for ages,' said Bridgewater, who ended her acting career after the film Tom, Dick and Hairy (1993).
'We always have to come up with new ideas to raise funds for the centre. I love books. I think books are good for children's development. This is why I wanted to carry out such a project.
'Originally, it was a children's story book. The idea then evolved into an alphabet book as we hoped more people could contribute. It's also easier for us to control the quality.'