Showbiz stars raise millions for Typhoon Morakot victims

Showbiz celebrities from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland converged on a Hong Kong stage last night for a marathon concert to raise money and show support for the victims of Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan.

The star-studded show at AsiaWorld Expo on Lantau Island was televised live on major local TV and radio networks and broadcast live via the Web to a global audience of about 400 million people, organisers said. When the show ended at 11.30pm HK$50.9 million had been raised.

During the four-hour show, big names from mainland and Taiwan showbusiness joined some of Hong Kong's top entertainers in taking turns performing and appealing for donations. They included actor Zhang Guoli , film director Feng Xiaogang and celebrity journalist Sally Wu Xiaoli , all from the mainland; and from Taiwan, veteran singer Tsai Chin. Some helped answer the 50 hotlines.

Giving the show a boost, Hong Kong media tycoon Sir Run Run Shaw donated NT$100 million (HK$23.5 million). His wife, Shaw Brothers' deputy chairwoman Mona Fong Yat-wah, speaking on behalf of Sir Run Run in a cheque presentation ceremony, said: 'When we in Hong Kong are enjoying the warmth at home, we should not forget those who have lost their homes and relatives in Taiwan. We hope we can do something to bring our sincere care and concern to Taiwan people.'

Taking to the stage, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing thanked the stars for their efforts to help the typhoon victims. 'I also appeal to the Hong Kong people to continue to donate to help the victims in Taiwan,' he said. Hong Kong stars at the concert included singer-actors Alan Tam Wai-lun, Andy Lau Tak-wah and Jacky Cheung Hok-yau.

Most spectators, who made minimum donations of HK$20 for admission, said they came to see their favourite stars and to show their concern for Taiwanese victims.