Xplore's partnership company in China, AES, organise the 'Hope International Volunteer Group'. Last week they took part in a big group volunteer activity 'Caring for the Elderly and Greeting the Chinese New Year'. 
Hundreds of volunteers including adults, children and teenagers began the afternoon in the Square of Friendship with bags of gifts to give out to the residents of the Vila Madalena Residential Care Home. The packages contained beanies, scarves, socks, medicinal oils, biscuits, fruits, red pocket (red envelopes are gifts presented at social and family gatherings such as the Chinese New Year) and other daily supplies. They then visited the elderly in the residential care home with smiles and excitement. The volunteers learnt about the living conditions of the elderly and brightened up the residents day by chatting with them. Throughout the afternoon the volunteers gave several performances, such as singing, playing games, magic shows and musical performances.
Dr. Robby Kwok, Director of Hope International Volunteer, indicated that his aim was to show respect to the elderly who have greatly contributed to society and encourage the young people who took part to devote themselves to volunteer activities.
For two young boys aged 14 it certainly had an impact. They volunteer on a regular basis and believe that joining volunteer work not only helps others but develops their own communication skills. They look forward to taking part in more volunteer work in the future.
Another volunteer brought her two young daughters along to the day. She believes that volunteering deepens their understanding of the society in which they live and makes them appreciate the things they have and how to think of others who are disadvantaged. Both girls were excited to be part of the day.
The Xplore team look forward to sharing more tales of volunteer work that Robby and his group in China organise in the future!
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