Think of the typical expat experience in Guangzhou and the first
thing that comes to mind is a high paying job with all the perks a
company car, luxurious accommodation and big spending.
It's a life far removed from the local community, hidden behind
the walls of some exclusive district in the suburbs.
But rather than being detached from the local community, an
increasing number of expats are finding satisfaction from helping
others through volunteer organizations.
One such group, the Guangzhou International Volunteer Expat
Service, or GIVES, participates in many causes including child care
and orphanage visits, support for nursing homes and the
handicapped, and programs to help women become financially
independent.
A foreigner-only volunteer organization created by a loose-knit
group of friends in 1995, GIVES provides a wide range of financial
and non-financial services to disadvantaged groups throughout the
city.
"Through GIVES, the expat community has a platform to provide
such help," says Rosaline Yam, GIVES' founder and director of its
executive committee.
"As well as individuals, we have a network of supporters
including international schools, corporations and other expat
associations."
GIVES' volunteers come from all walks of life, while those with
specialist skills are particularly sought after to help with
administration, technical tasks or project coordination.
"All our staff are volunteers who have their own lives and
commitments," she said. "People travel. Some leave and new ones
join, so our contact is loose usually through calls and emails.
This is the nature of expat life."
Being a volunteer is a commitment, says Yam. This means
prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
"Before joining, potential volunteers should think about how
they want to help and how they can contribute."
Of those who do get involved, "all find it a rewarding
experience".
"It is a chance to network and meet other foreigners from
different countries. Plus you get a deeper understanding of the
local community."
"There is a great camaraderie among the volunteers individuals
and organizations," says Bonnie Melton, a long time GIVES
participant, who has been helping the disadvantaged both in China
and her native US.
The former resident of Hawaii, Melton first began social work in
housing projects during the US Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s,
before eventually finding her way to China in 1984.
A common trait among volunteers and those who have a strong
attachment to China is "compassion and an ability to put themselves
in other peoples' shoes", she said.
Over the years, Melton and her husband have coordinated the
adoption of local orphans and handicapped children by foreigners
but expats can help out in more modest ways if they like, she
says.
"They can do fundraising, cooking, embroidering, or making arts
and crafts for the Christmas and Food Fairs. Often volunteers end
up buying things from each other!"
Through such deeds, "people have a chance to make a
difference".
"It is very satisfying, to bring a smile to others," says Lare
Olabisi, a Nigerian national who has lived in China since 1996.
A civil engineer by training, Olabisi now works in the
international sales division for a kitchen appliances company.
Since joining GIVES, he has volunteered as a project coordinator,
engineer, cook and website designer.
"It is too easy for an expat to live a luxurious life, with no
idea about the community they live in. Volunteering gives me a
chance to have a richer life in China. I can connect with (local)
society and with the culture. And I get to know more people."
Olabisi admits that being a volunteer is a commitment of time
and effort. But "once you do a project and it is successful, you
have a good time and you feel good".
GIVES is open to residents who are foreign nationals only.
Interested parties can contact GIVES on (8620) 8778 2778.
(China Daily March 6, 2007)