Over December, we’ve been highlighting some of the organizations and people that give their time and skills to make our city a better place. Here’s a round-up of all the causes we’ve profiled, so if your New Year’s resolution is to give something back, you’ll find plenty of ideas for getting involved below.

To read the full interviews, follow the links below.

Horses Offering People Enrichment (HOPE)

Children love animals, whether it’s a family pet or the cuddly pandas at the zoo. For some children with disabilities, that love can help them to grow and develop in areas where they have difficulties. It’s called equine therapy, and it’s available in Beijing thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. We talked to Amy Tripson about Horses Offering People Enrichment: HOPE. 

The Library Project

There are few things better to stimulate a child’s curiosity, creativity, and love of learning than a good book. For most of us, our kids grow up in homes full of bright, engaging reading material. But for many children in rural China, even their schools don’t have a library, or a place to sit and read independently. And that’s where The Library Project comes in. We talked to founder Tom Stader about their mission to turn unused classrooms into beautiful new reading rooms. 

The Lost Puppies of Beijing

In this series, we have mostly focused on those helping the people of this city, and particularly children in need. But our furry friends need our help too, and particularly the doggoes. So we talked to our friend and former beijingkids staffer Auna Harris about the kind souls behind The Lost Puppies of Beijing.

Fitness 4 Hope

In our busy urban lives, staying fit and active is important. Thanks to a team of enthusiastic volunteers, there are now opportunities to do this while helping a good cause too. We talked to Pablo Arriba about Fitness 4 Hope (F4H), the volunteering organization which he founded.

Bethel China

China has transformed beyond imagining over a couple of generations, modernizing and developing at a rate previously unseen in history. But in a few areas, old-fashioned ideas persist, and rarely with such sad consequences as in attitudes to disabled children. However, there are many, locals and foreigners, working hard to change attitudes and transform lives. We spoke to Allie Haaz, English-language spokesperson for Bethel China, to find out more about one such organization.

Migrant Children Foundation (MCF)

Christmas is always a time to think about children: our own and those in need. Few children are more in need than China’s so-called “migrant children,” who have come with their parents in search of a better life in the city, but have no right to education or other support here. And few have done more to help these innocents than the Migrant Children Foundation (MCF). We talked to Helen Boyle about the Foundation’s work.

Chemistry lessons provided by MCF won a national competition

Clothing Auction Network

New Zealander Rebecca Archer has been in Beijing since 2013, but it was an idea she brought from home which has taken off and is now set to expand across the world. We asked her to tell us more about the Clothing Auction Network.

Photos: courtesy of HOPE, Nichole He, courtesy of Auna Harris, courtesy of Fitness 4 Hope, courtesy of Allie Haaz, courtesy of MCF, Dave’s Studio, Rebecca Archer

Over the festive season, we’ll be highlighting some of the organizations and people that give their time and skills to make our city a better place, and looking at what you can do to support them. Spread the spirit of giving these holidays!

Children love animals, whether it’s a family pet or the cuddly pandas at the zoo. For some children with disabilities, that love can help them to grow and develop in areas where they have difficulties. It’s called equine therapy, and it’s available in Beijing thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. We talked to Amy Tripson about Horses Offering People Enrichment: HOPE.

Amy Tripson

Tell us about the history of your organization. How did it start, how has it developed?

HOPE was founded in 2009 by Dr. Priscilla Lightsey, a physical therapist, with the goal of providing children with disabilities in China the opportunity to benefit from equine-assisted activities and therapies. HOPE has grown over the years and now serves participants five days a week with a herd of four horses, dozens of volunteers and two instructors.

What are you doing now, and what are your plans for the future?

HOPE serves individuals with disabilities, Chinese and expats, while pursuing professional international accreditation in therapeutic horsemanship (TH). HOPE continues to provide safe, effective and engaging lessons while promoting the professional standards needed for the TH industry in China and expanding our program to serve more individuals.

How can people get involved? What help do you need, and how can they contact you?

HOPE needs volunteers with a variety of skills. Volunteer opportunities include regularly assisting in lessons with the horses and children, attending outreach events or translating documents. There are many ways to help! We are always in awe of the unique ways that our volunteers give, coming up with creative ideas, so just let us know what you like to do and we’ll find a way that you can contribute to our organization. To learn more about volunteering at HOPE please contact our Assistant Program Director, Lucia Zhou, WeChat: HOPE-CHINA. Lucia will get you signed up for a Volunteer Orientation.

What makes your organization different or special?

HOPE is unique in that we recognize the healing properties of our equine partners. The relationship between a horse and a human can be powerful – and therapeutic. In addition to riding, participants learn to brush, groom, lead, and care for a horse. These activities may facilitate growth in a variety of areas – often much faster than in a clinical or academic setting. Not only do we see the benefits to our participants, but our volunteers are often greatly impacted by their experiences at HOPE. Come visit! Seeing the program in action enhances the understanding of what we do. Plus, it’s fun to see the smiles of the participants. We believe: Horses bring you HOPE!

Photos: courtesy of HOPE