STUDENTS RAISE CASH FOR CHINA QUAKE VICTIMS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Students raise cash for China quake victims

Nearly £200 was raised for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake by caring students at De Montfort University.

The money was raised during a Chinese culture exhibition at the campus's Trinity House, which showcased traditional dance, calligraphy, Tai Chi and the work of DMU's Chinese Society.

Echo Hou, a member of the society, who helped organise the event, said: "This was a great opportunity for Chinese students to share their culture. I'm pleased to see so many people here and to raise so much money for the appeal."

Last week's earthquake in Sichuan province killed 160 people and injured thousands.

Money raised by DMU's event will be sent to UNICEF, which is co-ordinating charity disaster relief efforts.

Calligraphy expert Yujie Chen, who is studying for a Masters in international business communication at DMU, showed off his work and dance students put on a performance.

University spokesman Mark Charlton, spokesman for the university, said: "It's been an amazing response to the Chinese students' appeal. To have raised nearly £200 in just a couple of hours is incredible."