ISLAMABAD - The sixth "Love Knows No Borders" International Charity Sale was held in Beijing's Chaoyang Park on Sunday.
The fair was hosted by Qian Wei, wife of China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This year's theme was "Bring New Hope to the Heart of Poor Children in Mountainous Areas", said a message received here from Beijing.
Qian Wei, in her inaugural speech, said the funds raised this year would be used for carrying out operations of children suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD).
The congenital heart disease is one of the most serious congenital diseases in the Gui Zhou province, located in West China's Yungui Plateau.
Helping children suffering from congenital heart disease and to be able to have the operation would brighten their lives and bring hope to their families. "Let's act with love to bring new hope to the heart of the children in the mountainous areas," said Qian.
At the fair, participants and shoppers visited stalls to purchase from a variety of crafts and food. Pakistani stall also attracted the crowd at the fair. The booth, artistically decorated depicting exotic Pakistani culture and displaying a variety of traditional Pakistani handicrafts, dresses, embroideries and cuisine was visited by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his wife Mrs Qian Wei, Ambassador Masood Khalid and his wife Sonia Masood Khalid, among throngs of shoppers.
Ambassador Khalid also showed the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi some items on display.
Sharing his views on the day, Ambassador Khalid commended the idea, saying the people that have donated wholeheartedly to the noble cause showed their willingness to fulfill their responsibility they owed to the needy children in their challenge against CHD and for living a healthy life.
"This would certainly kindle hope in the hearts of the children," he said.
The charity fair was a success as a large number of people thronged the stalls vying for popular items, and yearning to provide help for the benefit of the needy children.
The charity sales attracted a total of 110 representatives from embassies and representative offices of international organisations, and 14 domestic and foreign companies, as well as individuals to participate.
According to preliminary statistics, it has raised donations of about two million yuan.
Launched by Le Aimei, Chinese honorary ambassador for poverty alleviation and wife of State Councilor Yang Jiechi, it was first held in 2009 to raise funds for needy people through charity sales.