• William Hale

Hong Kong Concert Raises Millions for Japan Disaster Response

Hong Kong – A concert broadcast live on television in Hong Kong raised more than HK$26 million (US$3.3 million) for The Salvation Army's earthquake and tsunami response program in Japan. The event was organized by internationally famous film star Jackie Chan and featured artists well known in Hong Kong and around the world.

The three-hour concert, called “Artiste 311 Love Beyond Borders,” took place at Hong Kong's Victoria Park. Stars taking part included actor and singer Andy Lau, actor Donnie Yen and singers from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and China. American singer Lionel Richie performed from Australia via satellite link, singing “Say You, Say Me.”

Hong Kong-born Jackie Chan told entertainment website Hollywood Reporter why he decided to arrange the concert: “For years my Japanese fans have made a great effort to raise money for my charity, to build schools in China and to help the victims of the [2008] Sichuan earthquake. It’s time for me to return the favor and do what we can to help.”

He personally paid for the plane tickets and accommodation for all the overseas performers.

All profits from the concert will be passed on to The Salvation Army. More than 300 Salvationists and Salvation Army staff from its Hong Kong and Macau Command took telephone donations during the event.

The exact use of the funds is still being decided but it is likely that much of the money will be used to supply emergency relief packs – including a 15-day supply of food and water, personal care and hygiene products and blankets – to people in areas affected by the earthquake, tsunami and by problems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station.

For photographs from the event please visit: http://bit.ly/g8T2wR

Source: Emergency News

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.