Red Cross project to help underprivileged children

The Red Cross Society of China has launched a charity campaign named "Philanthropic Messenger" in which 10 million yuan ($1.62 million) will be used mainly to help underprivileged children left behind by their migrant worker parents or children suffering from major diseases in Xinjiang, Tibet and the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Gansu.

The money comes from a fund under the Red Cross to which people can donate via sending a text message, said Song Yi, head of the general office of the society.

"Coming from the people, the donations will go to helping people as well, particularly children," Song said.

Under the project, 150 child care centers will be set up within a year in the project areas, which are expected to benefit nearly 50,000 children.

One-time cash donations will also be given to underprivileged children suffering from major illnesses.

Since it started in 2006, the mobile text messaging donation platform has received 270 million yuan in donations from more than 60 million donors.