IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Tibet solar energy

Tibet Development Aid Foundation has begun the "Sunlight" philanthropic program, aiming to raise funds to build solar energy facilities for poor people in the autonomous region.

A household solar energy facility, including a stove and lighting system, costs 2,700 yuan. The foundation plans to aid 500 families to set up such facilities this year .

Green skincare

Skincare brand Garnier in cooperation with non-governmental organization (NGO) Shanshui Conservation Center has initiated the "Care for Green, Care for Nature" program, engaged in protecting rare plants and the environment in southwestern China.

The program focuses on supporting 15 to 20 environmental protection NGOs in the area within two years as well as promoting exchange and communication among governmental departments, research institutions and green organizations and enhancing public awareness of environmental protection.

Used PCs for the poor

IT giants Intel and Founder are collecting used and discarded computers and sending them to schools in poverty-stricken areas.

The move conducted by employee volunteers in the two companies, will not only reduce electronic garbage in cities but also provide access for rural children to use computers and have touch with advanced technologies.

Post-quake building

Vanke, the country's largest property developer, has just commenced the first batch of philanthropic post-quake construction projects in Sichuan.

The projects include a three-floor school with a construction area of 8,361 sq m and a hospital that can offer medical services to 21,000 villagers. Both of the buildings are designed to sustain 9-level earthquake.

AIA Insurance Love

AIA Insurance China and China Children and Teenagers' Fund have jointly set up the "AIA Insurance Love Fund" to provide help for children in China's underdeveloped areas.

The initial fund of 6 million yuan was all donated by employees of the insurance company and mainly used to rebuild schools in earthquake-damaged Sichuan province.

(China Daily 01/12/2009 page8)