(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-01-31 07:28

In the past few days we have heard heart-breaking stories from the central and southern areas of China hit by snowstorms.

Apart from the regular warnings of heavier snowfalls and transport delays, there have also been heartening reports of bravery and philanthropy.

People lending assistance in accidents on slippery frozen highways, and families coming together to help one another unfold before us. A collage of noble human qualities which might otherwise have slipped away unnoticed.

We must also not forget those who have sacrificed their lives saving others in the snowstorms which have not been experienced in decades.

Such care and generosity outweigh the selfishness of others whose spontaneous response to the disaster was to profit from it.

These despicable economic creatures should be put to shame before the fine citizenship the overwhelming majority has demonstrated.

The concerns we have witnessed of people outside the disaster zones, and their contributions assure us that the respectable character of our nation remains intact, and that we are one big family.

This is required by our fine traditions which instill a permanent attachment to communal well-being. The disasters in the central and southern areas will ultimately be felt in the rest of the country, most likely in the shortage of essential goods and higher prices.

We appreciate the suggestions people from outside the disaster areas have come up with for relief programs. Practical contributions aside, their spontaneous involvement is a laudable act of benevolence, not frequently seen in our time of commercial considerations.

In particular, we like the idea of taking advantage of CCTV's lunar New Year's Eve gala show to solicit donations for disaster victims.

CCTV has tried hard to salvage the once popular show, which has continued to slide into oblivion. It is not entirely forgotten because of its sentimental attachment - a lunar New Year's Eve must-see.

Adding a charitable edge to the show will not only give it a boost but also a new meaning.

It is worth a try.

(China Daily 01/31/2008 page8)