The China-Australia Chamber of Commerce in Beijing (AustCham Beijing) held the Love Australia Ball on Saturday, 14 February at China World Hotel. Love Australia Special guests included Jackie Chan (whose parents lived in Australia) and Australian Ambassador to China H.E. Dr. Geoff Raby.
AustCham Beijing provides an avenue to share and gain useful business intelligence, while leveraging the knowledge and skills of its members to help develop a better and more profitable business environment. AustCham Beijing was one of the first officially registered foreign chambers of commerce in China. It was founded in 1996 and is a non-profit, private sector organisation promoting Australian business and AustCham member interests in China.
The night featured video messages from the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd MP and Australian Hollywood sensation, Hugh Jackman wishing guests a wonderful evening of cross cultural celebration.
More than 650 000 RMB was raised for charity, with the proceeds going to Heart to Heart Shanghai, an organization that provides life saving heart surgery for impoverished children in China.
Christine Cullen, the Founder and Executive Director of Heart to Heart Shanghai was so "up in the air" t she did not think she needed an aircraft to fly back to Shanghai! The money raised on the night will provide at least 16 children with life saving surgery.
Jackie Chan stepped up to help the state of Victoria in Australia which is currently being engulfed by fire. Whole towns have been wiped out and Jackie Chan auctioned a bottle of his wine and the opportunity to be an extra in his next movie! The money raised will be donated to the Red Cross Bushfire appeal in Australia.
AustCham Beijing Chairman Roger Wolfe remarked that there was lots of love in the air ... that was evident given the generosity of the Ball attendees and the money raised. He further noted on what a great honour it was to be part of such a very very special night.
For photos from the event please click here.
