REGIONAL> Highlights
Charity Month attracts more donations in Dalian
By Zhu Chengpei and Zhang Xiaomin (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-28 17:50

DALIAN: The on-going charity month held by the Dalian Charity Foundation attracted 136 million yuan for thirteen specialized funds in the port city of northeast China's Liaoning province.

Despite the influence of the global financial crisis, the companies and entrepreneurs in Dalian still volunteer to donate to the city's Charity Foundation, adding to the 37 funds with a total donation of more than 280 million yuan.

"It is an innovation of Dalian to set up separate funds for special purposes with different companies and individuals," said Lin Qingmin, chairman of Dalian Charity Foundation.

"Donations from diversified sources can benefit multiple donees. So far more than one million people in the city have benefitted from the donations since the establishment of the foundation in 2006," he added.

"It has become a common view among Dalian's entrepreneurs that the companies should undertake their social responsibility in addition to making profits," said Sun Yinhuan, president of Dalian Yida Group Co Ltd.

Yida set up an education fund with 30 million yuan to train teachers from the rural areas.

"Education is important for the development of the rural area. Without good educational resources, it can hardly enjoy fast develop," Sun said.

"Though we are troubled to a great extent with the global financial crisis, we will never forget those who need help most," Sun said.

Yida Group has taken part in various charity activities in the past years. This year, it has donated more than 50 million yuan to the foundation except yesterday's 30 million yuan.

"I think people who have become rich first should undertake more social responsibilities," said Li Guilian, president of Dalian Dayang Trands Co Ltd.

Li donated 10 million yuan to set up a fund in her own name to praise the city's excellent sanitation workers.

Li said she was supported by her family members to contribute part of her income to the fund.

"I will donate one million yuan a year for 10 consecutive years. After that, my son and daughter can continue contributing to it," Li said.

China Daily Dalian Bureau