With the combined efforts of the Women's Federation of all levels in China, about 140,000 orphans and disabled children in China have received a "Love Sweater" in recent weeks to keep them warm in the winter months.
Statistics from China's Ministry of Civil Affair show that there are about 573,000 teenagers who are orphaned in China and a considerable number of them are also handicapped. In 2005, the China Children and Teenagers' Fund and Chinese apparel manufacturer Hengyuanxiang Group jointly launched the Love Sweater initiative to seek affectionate parents to knit sweaters for orphaned children and those with disabilities. Under the promotion of the Women's Federation at various levels in China, many "Love Parents" have joined in the activity.
A representative from CCTF says that the aim of the activity is to enable each of the orphans and disabled children to have a Love Sweater. In 2008, the activity will be carried out in 25 provinces across China. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan will for the first time host the activity this year.
