A television campaign to raise funds for the victims of the massive earthquake that hit central and southern Chile on Feb. 27 had collected US$60 million, organizers said on Sunday.

The campaign, "Chile aids Chile," was headed by TV presenter Mario Kreutzberger "Don Francisco."

During the campaign that began Friday and concluded Saturday night, musicians, artists and TV presenters urged Chileans to donate for the victims of the earthquake.

Based on the donations, an emergency fund will be created to build houses for the victims following the 8.8-magnitude earthquake.

President Michelle Bachelet said on television during the campaign that this campaign has not finished yet because the victims need more than emergency shelter to tide over the current difficulty.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2010)