China is trying to establish a harmonious alliance of volunteers for the upcoming poverty alleviation China tour, according to the first preparatory meeting of China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation held in Beijing on Saturday.

Li Li, director of the Resource Development Department of the foundation, said that the country sees a widening gap between the rich and poor despite strong momentum of economic growth.

As a nongovernmental organization, the foundation also shoulders the obligation of helping with governmental efforts in reducing poverty, Li said.

The alliance will recruit compassionate people from all walks of life and provide various public service to needy areas, he said.

"We hope it will become an influential volunteer organization both at home and abroad," Li said.

"Hopefully, the registered number of volunteers will amount to 10,000 in the coming six years, meanwhile donations will accumulate to 200 million yuan (US$24.7 million). And 1000 poverty-stricken villages will receive help from us," said Cui Jing, program coordinator of the department.

Representatives from the business circle, academia, media and volunteer organizations joined in later discussions, offering suggestions to the draft regulations about volunteers.

The poverty alleviation China tour, initiated by the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, aims to mobilize urban citizens from all circles, especially affluent citizens, to visit poverty-stricken areas, experience the living conditions of poor people, communicate with them and give them economic assistance.

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2005)