Chinese charity foundation benefits S. African children

The local branch of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation on Saturday made a donation to the Elkana Childcare in Malmesbury outside Cape Town .

Among the donations were wooden beds, mattresses, blankets and quilts that will help the children get through the winter as well as dinning tables, chairs, computer desks, sofas, stationery, kitchen appliances, 50 sets of knives, forks and spoons, and food.

"I hope what we brought here will make it easier for you to spend the the winter time and warm up both your bodies and hearts," said Qing Chen, Chairwoman of the Foundation's South Africa branch.

"I also hope that the donation will help lead to greater understanding among us and promote greater friendship between the Chinese people and South Africans," said Chen.

Maude Goliath, Deputy Mayor of Malmesbury, where Elkana Childcare is located, took the opportunity to thank the foundation, saying the donation "really makes a difference in in our kids' lives and in the whole community".

Jacques Schwartz, a representative from the community, said the Shoong Ching Ling Foundation has been generous in making donations to the poor in South Africa.

These donations, said Schwartz, filled children's hearts with hope.

Kang Yong, Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Cape Town, said South Africa Soong Ching Ling Foundation has been participating in many charity functions in Cape Town, providing what it can to the weak, including orphans and disabled people.

The Foundation is a local branch of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation which was established in May 1982 in commemoration of Soong Ching Ling, the late Honorary President of the People's Republic of China.

Since its establishment seven years ago, the local foundation has enthusiastically involved itself in South African public good for women and children, actively raised money and materials and carried out donation activities for local orphanage every year. Endit