Gaborone — On 4th March, H.E. Ding Xiaowen, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Botswana, presented on behalf of the Chinese community in Botswana a donation worth 125,000 Pula to Derek James, National Director of SOS Children's Village Association in Botswana.

The donation, which includes 50,000 Pula in cheque and goods such as blankets, clothes and toys amounting to 75,000 Pula, had been raised and collected among the Chinese business people who are based in Gaborone Oriental Plaza.

Ambassador Ding said that the donation shows the kindness and good will towards the needy of the local society from the Chinese people living in Botswana, hoping them to do more to return their love and care to Botswana as it has created a favorable environment for their living and doing business in Botswana. James expressed his pleasure at receiving the donation and extended his deep gratitude to the Chinese community for their generosity by consistently rendering help to the SOS children over the years. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce also support the funding of a family house at SOS Tlokweng with P10 000 each year. The Miles Nan Foundation also brought the Overseas Chinese Overland Challenge and their vehicles and drivers to the SOS children village in Tlokweng where they donated goods. Present also was the reporters from the People's Daily and Chinese National television, Miss Botswana and the Mayor of Gaborone.

Chinese businessmen Miles Nan and Jianfei Chen were also present at a function in the Oriental Bazaar when the P50 000 cheque was handed over to James.

James said the Chinese Community in general was most helpful to his villages. "There is a perception that they do not contribute to the welfare of Botswana, but as far as we are concerned we are delighted and grateful for their help and assistance. We wish the Chinese all the best for the Olympics in Beijing, and we express our thanks to those in Botswana who are helping us." he said.