They came in their thousands from all over the world, with their camping gear, their family and love ones and other like-minds. Donning white like pilgrims aspiring for their Mecca, they streamed into the center of the Scottish capital Edinburgh on Saturday morning, making the green meadows a sea of white.

The campaigners, holding various kinds of "Make Poverty History" placards and signs, were trying to send the message through to leaders of the world's richest countries who were to converge in neighboring Gleneagles to discuss poverty in Africa and climate change on July 6-8.

"Campaigns like this will definitely help things change, as much as communications and dialogues among the leaders will make a difference to Africa," said Rongo, a musician from Gambia.

A middle-aged cyclist from Edinburgh, who cycled eight days all the way from London back to Edinburgh with some 200 others riders,was excitedly talking about the trip.

"It's amazing to see the support and cheers from people along the way who are also kind enough to put us up for the night. We were received by many mayors. Those who cannot make it to Edinburgh in person ask us to bring their well-wishes to the campaign," she said.

According to her, the campaign is effective in that "Tony Blair is responding and Chancellor Gordon Brown has offered his support."

A man who cycled from Glasgow for a whole day on Friday had made similar trips to previous G8 summits in Britain, Germany and Canada. On one occasion it took him six weeks to cycle to the venue.

Tying Make Poverty History ribbon on a pole and all the camping gear on the rack "just in case there is no room to host us," the cyclists made a spectacular sight in the ancient city.

Although some shops in downtown Edinburgh has planked up their stores for fear of any violence, hospitable residents were also offering campaigners from other places lodging at their own houses.

"We have five in our place," said a lady whose husband also joined the cycling from London to Edinburgh.

As Irish singer Sir Bob Geldof, initiator of the Live 8 concert slated for Saturday afternoon in London, had preached, over 100,000 turned up in Edinburgh and joined the peaceful rally.

People in different skin colors from various affiliations and from countries as far away as Cuba and the United States gathered at the Meadows, dancing to African music, listening to appeals by children and church leaders, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

The campaign, which had drawn over 400 charities, trade unions,church groups and celebrities, aimed to stop the daily holocaust caused by extreme poverty by canceling debt to the poorest countries, more and better aid and justice in trade.

As a Zambian farmer said at the rally, "We (Africans) don't want to be better beggars. It's not food aid we are asking. We want better aid and production of food. We want Africa to feed Africa."

But Saturday's rally was not all about Making Poverty History, there were stands advocating making climate change and AIDS history. There were also political messages against nuclear weapons and George W. Bush's "reign of terror."

While keeping a cautious eye for any disruption, the 2,000-strong police were also acting as stewards for people asking for the way or any other help. Volunteers were sending out cards offering legal assistance in case any detentions or arrests were made.

From 1:00 p.m. local time, campaigners started their six-hour march through the city to form a human white band, the symbol for the campaign launched by Nelson Mandela in Trafalgar Square, London in February 2005.

Some demonstrators will continue their march to Gleneagles where the summit is to be held in a hotel.

Source: Xinhua