Hong Kong's Matilda Children's Foundation says its latest fundraising campaign netted HK$300,000, triple the expected amount.

The charity says it was overwhelmed by the response to its first appeal.

Dr John Ngan, urologist and founding member of the Foundation explains how the money raised can benefit these children in need of help. "The initial aim of Carols by Candlelight was to raise HK$100,000.00 to help eleven disabled
and sick children from an orphanage in Beijing to receive medical treatment that will improve the children's health and

hopefully improve their chances of adoption. The terrific response we have received means that we can now help those children and more. There are so many that need help, and this is a wonderful start. People have been so generous, and this bodes very well for the numbers of children we can help to a new life in the future."

Donations will be used to buy the sutures, dressings, anesthetic gas and other medications necessary for surgery. The charity has no administration overheads and every dollar raised goes to the children. The Matilda International Hospital provides medical care free and all doctors have donated their time, expertise and care free of charge.

The Matilda Children's Foundation (the Foundation) was founded in 2003 to promote and provide help and comfort to underprivileged children from Hong Kong and China who require life-changing surgery and have no other means of
receiving care.

The Foundation is a registered Hong Kong charity, staffed by volunteers who are dedicated to the children, donating time and resources to enable surgery to take place. 100% of every dollar raised goes to help the children. All doctors, surgeons, nursing staff and administrators have volunteered time and resources and there are no overheads or administrative costs.

The Matilda International Hospital provides accommodation and surgical and operating facilities as well as staff and resources free of charge.

Over the past 18 months the Foundation has helped children with life-changing surgery go on to lead more normal lives.