University of Macau (UM) students are raising money for a student from the Faculty of Education (FED) who was injured in a road accident on her way to school on May 13. The injured student, Ms. Leong, is now staying in the intensive care unit. Booths have been set up at the Silver Jubilee Building and the East Asia Hall to collect donations for her from today (16 May) to 23 May. Besides money, the booths also accept paper cranes, cards, and words of encouragement for the injured student.
Daisy, a classmate and close friend of Leong, is the organiser of the fundraising. She describes Leong as an outgoing and cheerful girl, who is active in student activities and is liked by teachers and students alike. After the accident, Leong’s classmates felt very sad and wanted to do something for her. Daisy then started a fundraising along with the other classmates. The day after the accident, Daisy and members of UM’s Student Affairs Office, Students’ Union, and FED Student Association began to work together and set up booths at different locations on the campus. Daisy and more than 30 other students now work at these booths in rotation.
UM has expressed sorrow at the accident and is in close liaison with Leong’s family. UM Rector Wei Zhao, UM’s dean of students, other UM representatives and students have visited Leong in the hospital. UM is also providing counselling to staff and students in need. Students have organised a paper crane activity to send their best wishes to Leong. Currently, Daisy visits the hospital every day to check on Leong’s progress. Besides showing her paper cranes and reading her messages of encouragement on the cards, Daisy would also play recorded messages from teachers and students and tell her recent happenings on the campus, hoping that the love and support of UM students and teachers could help Leong regain consciousness.
Donations received on the first day of the fundraising far exceeded the students’ expectations. Many UM teachers and students are following this case closely and have donated money, hoping to reduce the burden of Leong’s medical expenses on her family. Some students from other schools have made special trips to UM to donate money. Leong’s family members have said that they hope those who have made a donation can leave their e-mail addresses so they can express their thanks.
Should you have any inquiries about the press release, please feel free to contact Ms. Albee Lei and Ms. Kristy Fok at（853）8397 4323 or prs.media@um.edu.mo or visit UM webpage www.umac.mo.
