Calvin Ming.

Mr. Ming, executive officer of the National Alcohol and Drugs Agency, is under intensive care in the United States awaiting a heart transplant. His condition is "critical''.

The drive will kick off on March 17 with a two-hour telethon appeal on ZFB-Channel 7, starting at 8 p.m. Other money-spinning ventures are also likely.

A special Cal Ming fund raising committee has been set up, chaired by Mrs.

Althea Overbey.

It includes Mr. Joe Ferreira, Mr. Ivan Smith, and Mr. Dave Cardell, from the Lions movement; Major and Mrs. Elmer Pavey, from the Salvation Army; Mr.

Michael Fox, local entertainer; and Mr. Alastair Macdonald, chairman of the interim committee of a national drugs authority.

Other members include Ms Shavana Wilson, Mr. Ming's executive secretary on NADA; and Mrs. Jean Kelly, a NADA volunteer.

Entertainer Mr. Fox will be responsible for the production of the telethon.

It will feature performances by the Salvation Army Band & Songsters, renowned soprano Mrs. Nancy Chisling, and The Perfect Combination. Other soloists and groups are also expected to take part.

fund raising organisers hope to be granted charity status shortly.

Meanwhile, two Cal Ming fundraising accounts have been opened at the banks, which people can pay into.

Yesterday Mrs. Overbey revealed the campaign had already been boosted by pledges of $5,000 and $1,000.

She said the committee had set themselves an initial $50,000 target.

But much more money would be needed in the long term to help Mr. Ming following his operation.

Mr. Macdonald pointed out a lot of expenses were not covered by Government's employees health insurance fund.

These included the cost of overseas telephone calls, renting an apartment in the US, and travelling costs.

"Cal's parents have been impacted greatly,'' he said. "The cost for them has been tremendous.'' Mr. Ming's children planned to visit him in hospital over Easter. His wife is with him now and his father flew off yesterday.

Mr. Macdonald added it would take up to a year for Mr. Ming to recuperate following his operation. "The overall costs will be immeasurable,'' he said.

Mr. Macdonald and Mrs. Overbey have spoken to Mr. Ming recently over the phone.

They said he was in good spirits at Pittsburgh Medical Centre, although lacking in energy.

"He can't talk for very long without becoming very tired. His faith, however, is really helping him,'' said Mrs. Overbey. "He has a message of thanks to all the people who have supported him. He has been overwhelmed by the support.'' Mr. Macdonald said Mr. Ming was high on the transplant donor list.

"There are two factors which have to be considered for the transplant -- his blood type, and the size of the new heart.''