From shoes to scholarships: Hongkongers unite for Tai Po fire victims
Individuals and companies are helping to gather food, clothing and bedding, with one anonymous donor offering to fund education of up to two orphans
From shoes and clothing to food, daily necessities, logistics services and even university sponsorships for orphans, donors from all walks of life have come together to support survivors of the Tai Po fire, Hong Kong’s deadliest in decades.
Beyond the HK$3 billion (US$385 million) contributed by the private sector and the government as of Friday, many compassionate people gave what they could in a show of solidarity.
The fire has so far claimed 159 lives, including that of a firefighter, and left about 4,000 people homeless.
A donor had offered to fund the education of as many as two children who lost either one or both parents in the fire until they completed their undergraduate studies in Hong Kong, said Stella Cheung, chairwoman of the HF (Hong Kong) Foundation.
The number of children orphaned by the disaster is not yet known.
The anonymous donor is providing the grant through Cheung’s organisation and details will be finalised according to the children’s situation.