15th May 2004: Opening of the circle of "United Buddy Bears" in Hong Kong

On May 15th, the circle of "United Buddy Bears" was opened with a festive ceremony. 3,000 invited guests of honour from the world of politics, business, art and culture were welcoming the "United Buddy Bears" on their world tour in the Victoria Park in Hong Kong. Among the guests was the patron of the Hong Kong exhibition, the world famous actor Jackie Chan, who was recently nominated UNICEF ambassador extraordinary.

The exhibition with its large framework programme is jointly organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hong Kong, the Home Affairs Department and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. It is assisted by the Tourism Commission, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hong Kong.

The presentation of the circle of "United Buddy Bears" was on the one hand made possible by Alexandra Oetker's great commitment. Through her initiative, the shipping company Hamburg Süd – a company of the Oetker Group – sponsored the shipping from Germany to Hong Kong.

And thanks to Jackie Chan's great support, 13 local major sponsors plus 54 individual sponsors could be won in Hong Kong.

All funds raised in Hong Kong will go to the Hong Kong Committee for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Community Chest of Hong Kong and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. The proceeds are in aid of children in need.

On the day of the opening of the circle of "United Buddy Bears", these 3 organisations received cheques in the total amount of 4.14 Million HKD / 447,000 €.