It is not for fame nor money that people participate in philanthropic activities. But now in Shanghai, the good-willed people's deeds can be recorded by a card and those who have done the best will be rewarded by charity institutes.

Shanghai recently issued a card entitled "Loving-Care-Score Card" to record every donation made and service offered. When the score reaches a certain point, the card owner will receive awards such as visiting a recuperation center or living in an home for the aged free of charge.

The card is printed with the logo of the Shanghai Charity Foundation on a background of blue sky and white clouds. The first bunch of 500 cards are jointly issued by the Shanghai Charity Foundation and the Shanghai Committee for Promoting Cultural and Ideological Progress. Each card will record the donator's name, address, donations and the names of beneficiaries.

The cards were first used in the Hongjiao neighborhood in Xujiahui area of Shanghai, and will then be promoted to the whole city of Shanghai.

Liang Dinghua, a resident in Wannan Village, became one of the first to receive this card when she was giving some clothes away. She said the card will remind her to offer more help to others while serving as a reminder of her donation. It is very meaningful.

According to Ma Zhongqi, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Charity Foundation, it is the first time they issue this kind of card since the institute was founded nine years ago. He added that the charity deeds recorded in the card will also count as a condition for electing model families and households. Specific regulations for the awarding are being worked out.

(China.org.cn by Feng Yikun, January 29, 2003)