The Shanghai Charity Foundation is to spend 6 million yuan (US$857,143) this year, sponsoring the charity programs of local non-governmental organizations.

The programs will help senior citizens, children and needy people, and have the potential to arouse a sense of charity in the community, officials said. "Although we have tried our best, it's impossible for us to cover every corner of society and help everyone who needs help," said Yuan Cai, vice president of the foundation.

"Therefore, we hope to offer help to other organizations in the city, and develop more people to throw themselves into charity causes."

The foundation's sponsorship will be in the form of capital, materials, human resources and training, officials said.

Any organization which needs sponsorship can call the foundation on 6312 4312 or 6258 4343.

This year the foundation will also help for the first time people who have received awards for helping others from May, 1999. A total of 3 million yuan will be spent in the program.

Twenty-eight families whose family members sacrificed their life helping others will receive 30,000 yuan. And those seriously injured or slightly wounded will receive 20,000 yuan or 5,000 yuan, said the foundation.

The foundation will cover not only local people but the city's migrant workers.

Under the program, schools for migrant children will be transformed into registered private schools or public schools and the foundation will train headteachers in financial management and education reform. Migrant workers' children who have graduated from the junior high school will get help in technical training and the foundation will also be helping them to find jobs.

(Shanghai Daily May 6, 2008)