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HONG KONG, 5 May 2013 — To support UNICEF’s relief and reconstruction work for Ya’an Earthquake in Sichuan, Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association will take the lead in establishing a first-ever collaboration with Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK), four telecommunication companies and Telewide Enterprises Ltd., encouraging the public to make quick and easy donations through the SMS donation system. Starting from 6 May (Monday), public can make a HK$20 donation by sending a short blessing SMS to the designated number through corresponding network companies within a month.

The earthquake has left over 1.5 million people, including 26,000 children affected. UNICEF is urgently requesting HK$10.15 million to take joint actions with partners in mainland, meeting the immediate and medium-term needs of children and women throughout the earthquake zone for the coming six months in child protection, maternal and child health, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation.

Thanks to the leadership of Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association, as well as the free service and network support from Telewide Enterprises Ltd. and four local telecommunication companies including CSL Limited, HKT Limited, Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited and SmarTone, customers of the above mobile network operators can support UNICEF’s relief work for affected children and families in Ya’an earthquake. After receiving an appeal message from the telecommunication companies, customers could send a reply with a short blessing SMS to 508508 and make a donation of HK$20 to UNICEF HK. Money will be simply deducted from the mobile account balance or stored-value card, while 100% of the proceeds will go to emergency relief of affected children and families in Ya’an.

The SMS appeal will be held from 6 May to 5 June. An official receipt can be issued for accumulative donation of HK$100 or above with the submission of bill copies and supporting documents to UNICEF HK. For details, please contact UNICEF HK at 2833 6139.