©2004 Fann Wong Singapore

2004   April 19, 2004 Charity show nets slightly below last year's $13.7m VIEWERS once again dug deep into their pockets, pledging $6.4 million for the beneficiaries of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) last night. More than 1.2 million donation calls and SMSes were received during the second instalment of the 11th NKF Charity Show. Broadcast live on MediaCorp TV Channel 8, the show featured stunts by more than 40 MediaCorp artistes. Among the most memorable was former Miss Universe Singapore Jaime Teo's use of qigong and a suction cup attached to her abdomen to pull a car across the stage. Other performers included Fann Wong and Qi Yuwu, who inched along a tightrope suspended four storeys above ground in an open field in Bishan. Zoe Tay also set viewers' pulses racing with her stunt. She had to smash a row of cylinders with her bare hands, remembering not to hit those containing upturned blades. The amount raised yesterday was slightly lower than the $6.7 million raked in during last Sunday's show. This could be because yesterday's show was 15 minutes shorter than last Sunday's, NKF said. Total donations stand at $13.1 million ?also slightly less than last year's $13.7 million. "It costs $2,600 per month, per patient to help them live a fulfilling life," NKF deputy director for communications Michelle Ang said. "The campaign is not over yet. We hope people will continue to call in. We'd also like to thank those who have donated." The donation hotline at 1900 112 6868 is open till Wednesday. Each call is a $5 donation. Source: Today