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APRRC 2012
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Rotaract Club of Shanghai
Boxes of Love 2013
Monday, 04 March 2013 17:08 | 
Written by Alexander Roderick Ma | 
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Mifan Mama is a non-profit organization mainly working with orphanages all around China. Every year, during the biggest Chinese National Holiday – Spring festival, they are bring happiness to the thousands of children by sending presents to them.
The idea of the “Boxes of love” is very simple, but at the same time it has a great impact. During one month (usually it’s January) any individual, company or organization can donate presents to the children. Simply con- tact Mifan Mama and they will provide you with standard empty boxes. The first time we did it last year. We contacted Mifan Mama, got boxes, purchased all candies, sweets, stickers that we need (the requirement is 50 RMB per box, in this case all presents will be equal , as we won’t children think that Santa loves someone more than others) and all fun started.
During one hour the Bali Bistro restaurant (the location of our meeting) turned into a real Santa factory of producing presents for the children. We had more than 40 people involved – Rotaractors, friends, Rotarians, Fresh Start members and the HuaQiao foundation. All of them were so enthusiastic: one group was decorating boxes, so when children will receive our gifts they will feel that it’s something personal, it was made especially for them (not just standard decoration from the store); another group were filling and packing boxes. And as a result – 80 boxes and plus small donation of RMB350 for extra 7 presents.
Mifan Mama increased their goal this year to 20,000 boxes, our club also made a progress from 20 to 80 boxes. This project is something that everyone can do. There is nothing more I can say, just look at the pictures. May- be it will inspire you to do the same with your club and help Mifan Mama to reach the goal – 20,000 boxes that will make 20,000 orphans happy during holidays.
I will see you next year, and who knows maybe we can do 150 boxes:) Happy Holidays for you and your families
President of the Rotaract club of Shanghai 2012-2013 Anna Mayakova
Last Updated (Monday, 04 March 2013 17:09)
5th Annual food collection
Monday, 04 March 2013 10:48 | Written by Alexander Roderick Ma | | |
The Rotaract’s 5th Annual food collection though slightly delayed continued this year in full swing. Ran in conjunction with Tesco it was to again assist 20 vulnerable families on Chongming Island by raising food and other necessities for them.
On 19th January, 30 volunteers armed with leaflets and banners made up of Rotaracter’s and other good Samaritans made their way to Tesco to persuade the shoppers of Baushan district to help us. By 7pm over 250kg had been raised and packed ready to be delivered the next day.
It was on meeting and speaking with 6 of these families however that we realised how far this small gesture really goes and means to them. We first met with an 87 year old lady who we have now helped for a number of years. She has lived in her now dilapidated house since childhood with intermittent electricity and on less than 250 RMB per month. With frost outside it not only truly hit home as to the fortunate positions we are in, but the resilience of her as she even continued to even manage her land and grow her own vegetables.
This was a recurring theme as we met the rest of the families, all of whom were disabled, elderly or beset by illness and loss. Despite this each were all very open to talk about their circumstances and help us learn more about the difficulties that they face.
Due to time, we couldn’t visit the other 14 families and speak with them all. However our partners from the local government on Chongming Island shared more stories with us and after supplementing our donation have distributed the food to the other families.
Following their and our volunteer feedback after a great weekend, we plan to again carry on this project and look forward to running the project next year!