Over 10,000 raise funds for poverty alleviation

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The 2017 “Love Knows No Borders” international charity sale was held on Sunday in Beijing by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Nearly a hundred foreign embassies, as well as representatives of international organizations and enterprises, participated in raising funds for remote and poor counties in southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

About 10,000 visitors attended the charity sale, which aims to help people living in some of China's most remote and poorest areas.

2017 “Love Knows No Borders” international charity sale in Beijing has over 10,000 participants to raise funds for remote and poor areas in southwest China’s Yunnan Province. /CGTN Photo

More than 100 booths have been set up, selling artifacts and food with distinctive features from around the world. Each one of them offers something special.

Alesya Gusyeva from the Ukrainian embassy said that they sold products from Ukraine, and hoped these beautiful products can contribute even a little bit for China.

A staff member from Pakistan embassy in China showcases products made in her country. /CGTN Photo

This year's event is the ninth since its launch in 2009, and it has already delivered some good results.

Qian Wei, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s wife, told the participants during the opening ceremony of the sale that over 22 million yuan had been raised before this year, and had been used for social relief and welfare programs in poverty-stricken areas in some provinces in China, including Yunnan, Hebei, Gansu, Henan and Guizhou."

Last year's proceeds contributed to smoothing traffic in one of China's southern cities. Chen Hongtao, deputy executive director of China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, or CFPA, said they raised over 3 million yuan in total at the 2016 event, and built 22 bridges in Baise, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Visitors are interested by products from over 100 booths set up by embassies and international organizations in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

For this year, Masood Khalid, ambassador of Pakistan to China said he hopes this year’s funds can go to another good cause.

This year all funds will go to health facilities in two counties in Yunnan, according the event’s organizer.

Just two to three hours after the sale began some embassies had already sold out their products, and made their donations.

Ting Zhao from the Embassy of Finland said they have contributed each year, and this time they are expected to donate 30,000 to 40,000 yuan in the sale for just a few hours.

A pamphlet on the previous eight “Love Knows No Borders” international sales has been published to encourage more people to help others. /CGTN Photo

That's also a wish shared by the visitors. A retired lady said this is her second year attending the event and she thinks it’s meaningful for helping poorer areas.

About 4 million yuan has been collected this year. In line with the charity sale's theme, participants hope to pass on their love to everyone around them and the following generations.

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