THE ongoing tragedy in Rwanda - which has seen the death of over 500,000 refugees from cholera, dysentery, thirst and famine - has aroused concern around the world, and Hong Kong is all set to give a helping hand.
The Hong Kong Red Cross, Medecines Sans Frontiers and Oxfam Hong Kong have organised the ''Rwanda Joint Appeal Campaign'', with the support of Commercial Radio II (CRII) and a host of local stars.
CRII programme director Thomas Chow Lai-mow said: ''The plight of the Rwandan refugees has dragged on so long, and it is high time for Hong Kong people to do something.'' The singers supporting the campaign include Roman Tam, Veronica Yip Yuk-hing, Liz Kong Hei-man, Karen Tong Po-yu, Winnie Lau Siu-wai, Eddie Ng Kwok-king, Edmond Leung Hon-man, the bands Grasshopper and Girlfriends, among many others.
The singers wrote messages of consolation and concern on several placards that were displayed in 15 locations across the territory last Sunday.
The main purpose of the display was to arouse the concern of Hong Kong people and attract donations to help the Rwandan people as soon as possible.
''There are no plans to hold a concert or anything like that because the refugees need the money urgently. The faster, the better,'' Mr Chow said.