Some 800 overseas residents from more than 20 countries and regions in Pudong's Green City donated about 500,000 yuan (US$71,429) to the victims of the earthquake yesterday.

The residents all gave spontaneously to help those in need - about 1,500 overseas families are living in the international community.

Sharon Potter, from the United States, was the first to come to the community club to donate yesterday afternoon. She arrived in the city just three weeks ago to visit her daughter and grandchildren. She said she learned about the earthquake from the TV and decided to help.

"I feel bad and wish them well. I'm sure they'll be OK," said Potter who donated 500 yuan.

Hirai Motoko, a manager with a Japanese company, flew especially to the city yesterday to donate.

Motoko, whose company has a branch in the city, said she was in Japan when she heard about the disaster. She took the first flight from Tokyo to Shanghai yesterday morning to donate 100,000 yuan. "Because of this disaster different nationalities are important no longer. We should treasure life and try our best to save as many lives as possible."