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Fundraiser for Chin brings in more than
NT$23m in a week
By Lee Hsin-fang / Staff Reporter
Political commentator Chin Heng-wei appears at
an afternoon tea party yesterday in downtown Taipei to show his appreciation for
the contributors to a fundraising event held for him that raised more than NT$23
million.
PHOTO: FANG PIN-CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
Former Presidential Office -secretary-general Chen Shih-meng
(陳師孟) and other pro--independence activists yesterday told a gathering over
afternoon tea that they had raised more than NT$23 million (US$769,000) for
political commentator Chin Heng-wei (金恆煒) over the past week alone, easily
beating the initial objective of NT$5 million.
Chin, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August and is undergoing
treatment, received a warm welcome when he appeared at the party and bowed to
express his appreciation.
Chen said pan-green camp supporters had demonstrated their amazing mobilization
power.
He said that despite Chin’s status as a “Mainlander,” the fundraising event had
successfully dashed “ethnic barriers.”
“I am deeply touched by this,” he said.
Chin ran into financial difficulties because of several lawsuits that were filed
against him.
Chen, along with Taiwan -Association of University Professors president Chen Yi-shen
(陳儀深), Northern Taiwan Society chairwoman Janice Chen (陳昭姿) and other
pro-independence activists, held a joint press conference on Monday last week to
announce the fundraiser.
The gathering in Taipei was held to express their gratitude. Chen Yi-shen said
Chin is honest and outspoken and that his pen is like the sword.
Although some people have suggested the fundraising event should continue, Chen
Yi-shen said they had to stop the event yesterday because the initial goal had
already been met.
The fact that the fundraiser easily beat its objective, was a demonstration of
Taiwan’s social strength, he said.
The total funds raised in the space of a week were NT$23,626,693, excluding
donations in foreign currencies.
Lu Shih-hsiang (盧世祥), -executive director of the Foundation for the Advancement
of Media Excellence, praised Chin — who was too weak to make a speech yesterday
— as “Taiwan’s democracy fighter.”
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