Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai presented a cheque for $522,000 to Watchdog Early Learning & Development Centre at Mid-levels on September 24, marking the successful conclusion of a fund-raising project embarked on by Superintendent Peter Barnes and Chief Inspector Paul Keylock for the centre.

The officers have raised the money by taking part in the 89-kilometre Comrades Marathon in South Africa in June. Mr Lee has sponsored their charity project, along with many members in the Force, as well as sponsors in the private sector.

Besides the cheque, Mr Lee also brought along two bags of teddy bears decked out in Police Tactical Unit fatigues and blue berets, much to the delight of the children of the centre.

It was the second cheque presentation to the centre by Mr Lee - in 2000 he handed over a cheque for $570,000, which was raised by Mr Keylock with his participation in the London Marathon.

Watchdog Programme Co-ordinator, Miss Stella Wong, said the latest donation would be used to renovate and upgrade the centre's existing Occupational Therapy Room to provide an effective sensory integration programme, and to purchase a variety of equipment, which will include climbing and suspension facilities for sensory integration therapy.

The centre is currently serving 65 children with special needs.

The donation will be used to renovate and equip the centre's Occupational Therapy Room.