Ren Ci Charity Show raises S$6.8m, exceeds target

SINGAPORE : The rain came down hard on Venerable Shi Ming Yi, but there was no stopping his steely determination to go ahead with his stunt for the Ren Ci Charity Show 2006.

The chief executive for Ren Ci Hospital and Medicare Centre walked across one side of Republic Plaza on narrow planks suspended from the 66th storey of the building.

Due to the heavy rain and buffeting wind, however, he only managed to complete half the planned distance of the stunt.

In all, $6.8 million was raised, which exceeded the target of $5 million. Last year's show raised $6.6 million.

Another outdoor item which took place in the rain featured celebrity couple Chen Liping and Rayson Tan walking on tightropes three storeys above the ground at the Raffles Place Park.

About 250 well-wishers turned out to watch these performances in the wet weather.

The fourth annual charity show, hosted by Ren Ci and MediaCorp TV Channel U, was no less dramatic than previous years'.

A rain-soaked Venerable Shi broke down in tears after his item, expressing his gratitude to donors and his appreciation to the celebrities for their hard work.

Back at the MediaCorp TV theatre, Gurmit Singh had strong words for newspapers which had "unnecessarily highlighted" the injuries that the artistes got from practising their stunts, instead of concentrating on the amount that could be raised.

"At the end of the day, it's the patients who suffer (if the donation target is not reached). Just picture yourself in their shoes," said Gurmit. "How do such articles help? It's pointless. We need the money!"

He added: "Even if it wasn't out of context, does it serve the greater purpose?"

But Gurmit and other artistes believed that donors would continue to pledge their contributions by Jan 15.

Viewers can call 1900 112 8888 to donate $5 and 1900 112 8889 to donate $15. For donations of more than $15, call 6746 1110. - TODAY

//Please continue to lend your support to Ren Ci Hospital - ZenEkz//