Mr. Xu Ke Jian is the busy owner of a small pet grooming service in Hubei. As a hobby, he would feed and care for the strays that gathered outside of his shop—until one day it wasn’t a hobby anymore. Fast forward to 2022 and he is now the sole full-time manager of an animal shelter in Shunyi called 爱宠家园 (ài chǒng jiā yuán) literally “Loving Pets Home”.

It is home to over 500 animals, including several hundred dogs and cats, and even pigs, sheep, and chickens! They were doing alright living happily albeit simply off of donations and the help of volunteers like Lana Shab, the foreign volunteer organizer, and Wang JiaLi, the local volunteer organizer. Until they were told their building was set to be demolished and they would need to move urgently.

As many of you may remember, this is not the first time a shelter has suddenly needed to close down due to city construction in recent years. But with a little luck, Mr. Xu and his team of volunteers found a small abandoned farm in Miyun that can accommodate all of these animals.

But the costs and logistics of moving so many furry friends humanely are high. Rent and much-needed repairs to make the farm habitable come to a whopping RMB 50,000, and of course finding good homes for as many animals as possible is difficult even under normal circumstances. I asked Shab what the most immediate needs were and she told me the expat community can help out by doing the following:

1. Share the donation link with your friends so they can raise needed funds quickly.

https://crowd.dreamore.com/h5/project/supportList?project_id=1417531822

2. Choose to foster or adopt. Scan the QR code below for more information.
3. Join their volunteer days.
4. They are looking for people with B license plates and trucks to help with the transportation of the animals to their new homes.

For questions and more information about adopting or volunteering, add international volunteer organizer Lana Shab’s WeChat through the QR code below.

Images: Canva, Lana Shab

KEEP READING: Beijing’s Best Doggy Playgrounds

We are only weeks away from getting back to school, and that always feels like it requires a wardrobe refresh. But rather than hit up a fast fashion brand, why not do something good for the environment, your wallet, and a local charity? Join us for the Clothing Auction Network’s Back-to-School Bubbles Clothes Auction.

The brainchild of expat Rebecca Archer, the Clothing Auction Network is a grassroots charity that hosts multiple events each year in the homes of volunteers. Beijingers are invited to clean out their closets and bring unwanted items to the designated host’s home, where all the items go into a pile. Then, as you socialize, eat, and drink, you browse through what’s on offer. I have seen everything from Banana Republic blazers to silk kimonos and bespoke ball gowns. It’s a fashionista treasure hunt, especially for those of us who have trouble finding clothes proportioned for our western frames in local stores.

When you find items you like (and trust me you will find items you like) you put them in the “bid pile.” Then the fun really starts. Each item in the bid pile is held up for the group to look at, and bidding on all items starts at RMB 20. If no one else took a fancy to it it’s yours for less than the cost of your morning coffee fix. But if someone else was eyeing it you need to outbid them to take it home. At the last auction, I went to I walked away with two brand label shirts, a designer summer dress, a pair of adorable sandals, new earrings, plus several silk and cashmere scarves for less than the cost of a sweater at Uniqlo or H&M.

The best part? All the money goes to charity, with the host choosing which local entity will receive the funds. Past recipients have included local animal shelters, an initiative educating girls in rural China, and Migrant Children’s Foundation.

The back-to-school swap will be hosted by the founder of Female Expats in Beijing, Mia Rudnick. It will be this Sun, Aug 7, from 1 to 4pm in Shuangjing. The funds will be donated to The Library Project, which builds reading rooms and provides teacher training to rural schools in China.

To join in on the fun scan the QR code in the poster below. After you RSVP you will be given the exact address and additional details!

KEEP READING: Getting Your Nails Done on a Budget

Images: Mio Rudnick

There has been a flurry of activity in the buy and sell groups because many members of our community have made the decision to return home, and many of those staying have been spending the semi-lockdown decluttering. But if your gently loved items aren’t finding a home on the apps, consider donating them. Below are three charity organizations that have a need for the things you are liquidating!

Roundabout: Beijing’s favorite thrift store! A perfect place to donate home goods, vases, clothes, or any other gently used items. All proceeds from the store go to local charities. You can read more about their charitable partners at http://www.roundaboutchina.com/ and you can arrange to have your items picked up by scanning the QR code below!

Angels Baseball: This school for left-behind children is always in need of English language books, sports equipment, toys, and children’s clothes. Learn more about their program here and contact Zoe via WeChat to arrange a donation. WeChat: zoliuzo

Alipay: Not only do they pick up your items and donate them to those in need but each donation results in a new tree being planted through their Ant Energy Program. Simply go into the Alipay app, type 飞蚂蚁, and then click on the type of donation (clothes, toys, etc.) and set up a time for them to pick it up.

Know of any other good causes that can use our unwanted items? Leave their information in the comments!

Images: Canva

KEEP READING: Jamie Bevan: 30 Years in Education!

It’s cold outside! As we all dig through our closets in search of the warmest and fuzziest items to beat Beijing’s frigid winter, you may notice an extra pair of gloves that you were gifted but don’t really need, or a knit hat that the kids outgrew last year. So why not put them to good use?

The Power Angels school for left-behind children could put that unwanted winter finery to good use keeping their students warm. Every day, along with their school work, the students are on the fields practicing, and many of them don’t have adequate winter protection.

If you have any outerwear in good condition – especially gloves, hats, and scarves – please consider donating them! The kids will get warm hands and you will get the warm-hearted glow of knowing you helped some children in need.

In addition to winter gear the school could also use books for their library, so feel free to clean out your bookshelf and pass along some knowledge with the warmth. Donations can be sent to:

Zoe
13662659987
北京市通州区漷县镇马黄路运河徽派印象门卫室

And you can contact Zoe on Wechat: zoliuzo

KEEP READING: Giving Underprivileged Angels Their First Christmas

Images: Power Baseball Angels, Mina Yan

It is the one greatest fear of any parent – that your child’s health and very life are in danger. An expat mother, who wishes to keep her family’s identity private, is urgently asking for your help in raising funds to treat her 1.5-year-old son, who was diagnosed with viral encephalitis on Wednesday, Oct 27.

The child, nicknamed Little A, had been suffering from seizures for some time and was admitted into an international hospital for testing to determine the cause. He was given a lumbar puncture test, in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal to draw a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Unfortunately, that sample gave strong evidence for the diagnosis of viral encephalitis. Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that leads to swelling of brain tissue, and the worst potential complication is permanent brain damage.

Little A’s mother remembers him as “such a smiley boy who could still giggle and find joy when he was sick in the hospital.” She just wants him to recover and go back to being healthy and happy. He had celebrated his first birthday six months ago, and his potential for life was just beginning when this sickness hit, now threatening the sanctity of his future.

The lumbar puncture test alone cost RMB 15,000, and the bills are piling up quickly. The medical fees for Little A’s treatment are currently estimated to be RMB 200,000. Within the first few hours of this tragic news reaching our phones, an incredible outpouring of support helped to raise over RMB 60,000. But more is still needed, so if you are able and willing to donate, please scan the QR code below. There is also a WeChat group that has been formed to provide updates on Little A’s situation, which you can ask to join.

In China, the incidence of Japanese encephalitis, which is spread most commonly through viruses carried by mosquitoes, is higher than any other mosquito-borne disease. There are approximately 33,900 cases of JEV every year, with most of them occurring in rural areas surrounded by irrigation farming. On the other hand, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been shown to be endemic in northern and western China, including the mountainous areas of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang.

KEEP READING: Chifan For Charity: Filling Bellies and Hearts Since 2009

Images courtesy of the organizers

Beijing’s getting warmer and the season for outdoor events has begun! Last year I discovered just how wonderful the Roundabout book section is. I was pregnant and Page One didn’t have much in terms of baby books so pretty much everything I read came from Roundabout.

Then came my maternity leave. I had a lot of free time on my hands and once again, Roundabout’s books help me busy for months. And now that the best season in Beijing is about to start, Roundabout has planned another book fair!

The next book fair will be on Mar 27 and 28 right in front of the Roundabout store. As always, all proceeds will go to benefit children in need.

Bring the whole family and flip through thousands of recently donated books.

Paperbacks start from RMB 10
Hardbacks start from RMB 20
Kid’s books start from RMB 1

If your family’s into reading this is the perfect place to stock up your home library at a bargain.

Roundabout is a volunteer-run organization and to make events like this upcoming book fair happen, they need people. They need people to help sort books, set up, help out with the crowd on the day of the fair, and take everything down when it’s over. To volunteer add 185 1044 9951 on WeChat.

KEEP READING: Quality Over Quantity: Understanding Roundabout’s Newish Donation Policies

Images: Pexels, Roundabout

The month of hotel Christmas tree lighting is upon us. While most hotels opt for a more traditional tree lighting ceremony, another has gone in a slightly different direction.

It all started a few years back with the Tree of Knowledge at East Beijing Hotel where instead of purchasing a tree, the hotel built a tree-shaped book shelf and asked the local community to donate their second-hand books to help the hotel “build” the tree. All the donated books were then given to Roundabout to help raise money for Educating Girls of Rural China. Since then, East Beijing Hotel caught the gift-giving bug and every year since they have turned their tree lighting ceremony into an opportunity to give back to the community.

This year for the holiday season the hotel not only put in Mr. Dino, a giant T-rex sporting a Santa hat and scarf that looks like it came out of A Night At The Museum, but Mr. Dino’s guarding a massive red donation box collecting clothes, books, and toys all month long. In collaboration with Roundabout, this year’s donations will be given to families in Qinghai and Xingjiang provinces.

The hotel has collected 30 holiday wishes from children in rural Qinghai and Xinjiang provinces and placed them in 30 dinosaur eggs in the lobby. Anyone is welcome to go find out what the kids wished for and help make their wish come true.

To celebrate the joys of Christmas, East Beijing Hotel will be ringing in the holiday season on December 7 at 3pm with Christmas cookies and mulled wine, along with Christmas carols from the kids of Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) UES Campus right in the lobby.

All ages
December 7 at 3pm
East Beijing Hotel, No. 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

Photos: Provided by East Beijing Hotel, Mina Yan

With the mad rush to make sure every box is ticked on our Christmas gift list this year, it’s easy to forget how we might be able to shop more sustainably. Being more mindful about giving back in our communities means making the right choices when selecting what and who to buy from. Do not fret! You can revel in all your festive purchasing, knowing that your buying will also be your way of contributing to a good cause this Christmas.

These ethical makers have made it easier for us all to spread some real cheer this season to those that need it the most. Buy local, buy ethically and feel the joy that is giving.

Love & Hope

Love & Hope is a non-profit, non-government organization providing vocational training to underprivileged youth. Their boarding school and vocational center in Shunyi provides an oasis for those who need it, and facilitates the teaching and training of skills in a safe environment. Their philosophy is simple but has life-changing implications for the migrant children who are given the tools needed to secure employment in the future. Therein lies the love, and most importantly the hope: hope in others, hope in the future, and hope in life.

This Christmas Love & Hope will be selling beautifully crafted products made by the migrant children they teach in their i-sewing class. All proceeds and any donations go towards supporting the continuing development of their education and welfare.  For more information contact lovehope1004@sina.com or WeChat: 1850063292 or 18600063290

Star Fish Project

The Starfish Project has long been one of my favorite ethical makers. The non-profit organization supports vulnerable women, who with their help learn to craft wonderful pieces of jewelry made from precious stones, resilient metals, pearls and gems.

The organization’s mission is to restore hope to exploited women in Asia through their holistic care programs and their social enterprise. Women can go on to become managers, accountants, graphic designers and photographers.

Your purchase of the jewelry produced by these women goes towards the organization’s continued efforts to support women fleeing homelessness, domestic abuse and sex trafficking. Your purchase is more than a monetary contribution but an act of love for the person you are buying for and the person who needs to services the Starfish Project provides. For more information go to www.starfishproject.com

Sew Gorgeous

Everything about Sew Gorgeous is so gorgeous! From handcrafted wool and felt bags to locally designed embroidered homeware, there is literally something for everyone, from the volunteers that sew to support those in need. Blankets, cushions, place mats, Christmas decorations, bags, and all the above is what you can find when shopping for soft furnishings at the Roundabout store in Shunyi or at the many markets and bazaars Sew Gorgeous attend during seasonal and special occasions. Products can also be ordered directly through WeChat.

The charity, which was set up in 2014 by a British GP, supports disadvantaged children in China. All proceeds and donations go directly toward charities where children in need are the primary focus. This Christmas stock up on handcrafted gifts for the home for friends and family and support an awesome cause. To find out more information and make an order contact WeChat: daniellesaponara, or make a day of it and find out where they will be making an appearance as a vendor this Christmas.

Yoganda Project

The Yoganda Project is all about empowered women making the worlds best hand crafted bags in Iganga, Uganda.  In the summer of 2014 yogini and world explorer Theresa of Taozi Tree Yoga went to Uganda. She has a passion to help and support vulnerable women living in poverty. This manifested itself into a project that could provide these women with a fulfilling occupation, while simultaneously creating something beautiful for yogis of the world to enjoy!

With the ancient and spatial practice of yoga in mind, Theresa went about forming a team of women with skillful hands. Teams of seven women were given training on how to use an electric sewing machine. A new business model was created in the area, producing high quality bags.

We all have that yogi friend, or perhaps you’re a dab hand at the downward dog? Whatever the case this Christmas use your or somebody else’s love of yoga to support a project that is a self-sustaining way of lifting women and their families out of poverty. To find out more visit www.taozitreeyoga.com or contact WeChat: TheresaRae.

Photos: courtesy of vendors

Seeing some of the horrific images this week coming out of the Syrian refugee crisis, I have been truly haunted. I’ve found myself in tears more than a couple of times. It’s hard to believe that while our lives here go on day-by-day, the planet is in the midst of one of its greatest humanitarian disasters. Every day, thousands of Syrians are fleeing towards Europe in hopes of a normal life ­– a life void of fear. These are Syrians from all walks of life; doctors who once had normal practices and family lives, and children torn from their homes because they were no longer safe. It makes me want to squeeze my little Kai closer. I have more gratitude for a roof over our heads, food on the table, and a feeling of safety ­– the simple things I often take for granted.

This morning before leaving for my classes at Yoga Yard I was thinking to myself, what can we do here in Beijing to help? Not as much as we’d like to, obviously, but we can do something. After the earthquakes in Nepal, we saw a lot of groups of people banding together to make a difference and I’m happy to report that I’m starting to see the same thing happening the people of Syria. This Saturday, September 5, a pop up yoga class will be held in Ditan Park led by yoga teacher, Yonnie Fung. Yonnie is an incredible women, a new mother, and an experienced yoga teacher: one of the best in Beijing actually! 

100 percent of class fees will be donated to Medicin Sans Frontiers, an NGO providing medical assistance in Syria and its borders. You can read more about the work they are doing here. See details on the yoga class below.

When: Saturday, September 5.  9:30-11am
Where: Ditan Park South gate (the main gate just across the ring road from Lama Temple. The nearest subway station is Yonghegong Lama Temple on Lines 2 and 5)
Cost: RMB 180. Every fen will be donated.
Contact: To participate, Email yogawithyonnie@gmail.com or add Yonnie on WeChat. Username:yogawithyonnie. Please let Yonnie know if you have any injuries or conditions she should be aware of.

Be sure to bring your own yoga mat, water, and 2 RMB for park entry. All levels are welcome from beginners to level 6 Ashtanigi.

Also, Yoga in The Park will be held this Sunday, September 6 from 9:30-11:30am. The beautiful yogini Tuya and I will be teaching the class. Pray pollution is below 200 as class will be cancelled in the case of rain or if AQI is over 200. The class is free, however, we will collect donations for the same organization. How much you are able to donate is up to the practitioner. Afterwards, we will head to brunch at Moka Bros in Solana and enjoy a 15 percent discount. No sign-up is necessary, just show up! Add me on WeChat if you intend to come. WeChat ID: TheresaRae.

Photo: Courtesy of Yoga in the Park