Empty promises

It is natural for enterprises to show their social responsibility by donating money to help disaster victims, and many did so, when the heaviest snowstorms in more than half a century struck 19 provinces and autonomous regions in central and southern China in late January and early last month.

But some firms have failed to honor their pledges made during a charity party broadcast live on TV. In Hubei province alone, more than 20 million yuan ($2.5 million) pledged in donations by enterprises have failed to be remitted.

The relevant government department is reported as saying it would send letters to these firms urging them to fulfill their pledges and has set a deadline. If these firms still fail, their names will be published.