Mainland China public donations for Hong Kong fire relief top HK$80 million

Hong Kong has received a wave of compassion from mainland China over the deadly fire in Tai Po, the city’s worst in decades, with public donations from across the border exceeding HK$80 million (US$10.27 million).

The China Social Welfare Foundation announced that donations from 1.7 million residents on the mainland had exceeded 76 million yuan (US$10.74 million) or about HK$83.5 million, as of Sunday.

Many donors also contributed to the Hong Kong government’s relief fund and local charities, including Yan Chai Hospital.

On RedNote, numerous posts offered guidance on how to donate to local charities to support the thousands of families displaced by the 43-hour inferno at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which killed at least 151 people.

In Rongjiang county, Guizhou province – home to the Village Super League, a grass-roots football tournament known locally as Cun Chao – thousands of residents lined up on a football field to donate to those affected.

“Hong Kong provided great support and encouragement to us in Rongjiang during the floods earlier this year. Now that they are in trouble, we are extending a helping hand to pass on this warmth,” said Wu Huayong, a league team captain.

A Weibo user wrote: “As a Sichuan native, I will always remember Hong Kong’s aid during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. I hope we Chinese can support each other and overcome difficulties together,” sharing a screenshot of his donation.