Caritas Macau has raised nearly MOP 400,000 in donations from individuals, enterprises, schools and churches to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
Secretary-General Paul Pun Chi Meng told public broadcaster TDM that the campaign was launched by the Catholic social welfare organisation on Thursday, and the first funds would be transferred soon.
[Read more: A profile on Paul Pun Chi Meng]
According to Pun, the fundraising campaign will last for about two to three months. He underlined that all the money raised from the campaign will be transferred to Caritas International, Caritas Turkey or the organisations that were designated by the donors to purchase supplies and equipment to assist the victims. Pun stressed that no administrative and remittance charges will be deducted from any of the donations.
Pun thanked everyone for their donations and support in the fundraising campaign, pointing out that many people have voluntarily assisted in fundraising in recent days, like advertising companies publishing free fundraising promotions, shops placing fundraising boxes and schools holding fundraising activities.
Pun said that despite Macao’s economy facing serious challenges in the past few years, residents have been eager to donate money and show their concern for the quake victims through different actions.
Another concerned group has also collected donations of clothing and blankets, among other items, for the earthquake victims.
Alberto Bettencourt initiated the plan with a group of Portuguese friends on WeChat.
Another member of the group, Alberto Ferreira Sin, said the donated blankets and apparel are being sorted in Cotai. Given its location, Sin used his still unopened shop near Largo do Senado as a place where donations could be dropped off before they were taken to Cotai for sorting. According to Sin, the group has received a “lot of” clothes and blankets.
The donated items which, Sin said, would fill five to six shipping containers, are set to be sent out this morning, The Macau Post Daily reported.
