As Christmas comes around, many expats will be once again focus on Beijing’s less fortunate via charity bazaars, donation drives, social events, and volunteer work. Last December, we wrote about a non-profit called Little Flower Projects, which provides critical and long-term care babies and children in China. Recently, China Daily did a profile of United Family Healthcare vice-president Brent Johnson – who also happens to be the co-founder of Little Flower.
In the article, China Daily reporter Tom McGregor interviews Lu Jiling (Lily), the director of the group home that Little Flower set up to care for its charges:
“Many babies first arrived on the verge of death, coming either as premature infants or diagnosed with fatally-ill medical conditions,” said Lily. “Yet somehow, many miraculously survive and go on to lead more healthy and productive lives.”
How can you help? Volunteeringis a possibility, but the charity requires serious volunteers who can make a serious time commitment. The charity encourages potential volunteers to visit their project sites and see how they can help.
Donations (financial or otherwise) are always appreciated, but consider becoming a “fundraising machine” by hosting fundraising events and spreading the word about their projects. That being said, the non-profit’s most pressing need is money, which is used to cover basic running costs, salaries, medical expenses, utilities, rent, and more.
Want to learn more about Little Flower Projects, or looking for other ways to help? Check out our December 2011 feature on children-focused charities and non-profit organizations in Beijing.
Photo by Judy Zhou
