SOME 600 guests from Shenzhen’s expat community flocked to the Futian Shangri-la, Shenzhen to raise money to support the education and development of 120 impoverished girls in Qinghai.

    Co-hosted by the Futian Shangri-la, Shenzhen and Captivating International, proceeds from the night went directly to support the work of LOVEQTRA, a Qinghai- registered charity/NPO, passionate about creating vibrant futures for poor girls from Qinghai and Sichuan provinces.

    To help promote the fundraising effort, 24 girls from Qinghai traveled by train to perform traditional dance to captivate Shenzhen audiences including Shekou-based international schools, SIS and QSI, proud supporters of the project.

    Andrew Colquhoun, co-founder and CEO of Captivating International — a Hong Kong-registered charity, stated, “This is our third year partnering with LOVEQTRA on this project. Each year we continue to be overwhelmed by the growing support offered by Shenzhen residents.”

    “A small sacrifice on our part creates a world of possibilities for them. Knowing that you have helped them move from difficult circumstances to being part of a good program focused on giving them a chance at a better life — that’s priceless,” he said.

    Captivating International has been collaborating with the Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen for over two years. It works to match foreign donors with quality Chinese initiatives focused on reducing family poverty and helping disadvantaged children improve their lives. (Maggie Tang)