Wu Shaoli, a 51-year-old resident of Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, withdrew 50,000 yuan (US$6,250) in personal savings to establish a center to help those who become physically or financially disabled for helping to protect others' lives and property.

 

The 90-square-meter office is decorated with a big photo of Lei Feng, who was considered a selfless role model in China. Up to now, six volunteers have joined Wu's work.

 

Wu said he got the idea to set up the office after reading a story about Yao Chunsheng in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

 

Yao's eyes were badly injured when he fought with several thieves. Now he and his 14-year-old son are living on his monthly 440-yuan (US$55) wage.

 

Yao is only one of the heroes living in difficulty. Some media reported that statistics show that one-third of these unsung heroes either became disabled from injuries or live in poverty.

 

"Once we find clues, we will send our volunteers to investigate and make sure they really need help," Wu said. "Then we will help them in terms of cash or goods."

 

Wu had been a taxi driver and opened a company. Now is he only works for the office.

 

"As the initial fund of 50,000 yuan is obviously not enough for such a big project, I do hope more and more citizens and enterprises could join us," Wu said.

 

According to the legend, Lei Feng, born in Hunan Province in 1940, joined the People's Liberation Army in 1960. He was always ready to help those in need without thinking of himself.

 

On August 15, 1962, while at work, Lei Feng was killed in an accident. In his honor, the army published his voluminous diary. The nation was moved by his life story and his single-minded dedication and service to people.

 

On March 5, 1963, Mao Zedong wrote an inscription and called on the entire nation to "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng." Since then, a nationwide campaign to do that takes place every year.

 

Legal experts are calling for a national law to help these heroes.

 

About 28 jurisdictions, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Shanxi provinces, have established regulations to protect the heroes, or are planning to. Charity organizations also have joined the efforts.

 

(China Daily April 14, 2006)