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.
PHOTO: FANG PIN-CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
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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