An annual charity auction held in Shanghai yesterday collected more than 1.5 million yuan (US$219,411) for local needy senior cataract sufferers, deaf and mute children and children with congenital heart disease.

Organized by the Shanghai Charity Foundation, the Cauction, called "Lighting Your Wishes," included 53 items, and attracted more than 300 bidders.

All the items were donated by local individuals and organizations, including a set of signed films by local movie star Zhang Ruifang. The 91-year-old actress also helped to set up the annual auction.

The collection of films fetched 20,000 yuan.

The bidder, who was not willing to reveal his name, said he was a huge fan of Zhang and had cast bids at the first auction nine years ago for an ivory sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi, which was also donated by Zhang.

"Although the global financial crisis means we've had to tighten our belts, we still want to be generous to those who need help," he said.

"I believe this is also Zhang's wish."

Other items, such as Chinese paintings and calligraphy, sold well at the auction, raising between 10,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan per lot.

Since 2000, the auction, which was set up by 31 local celebrities, has raised more than 14 million yuan to help more than 10,000 people, the foundation said.

(Shanghai Daily January 12, 2009)