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An association of volunteers was inaugurated in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, in response to the growing number of volunteer helpers in the city.
In addition, Saturday also ushered in a month of voluntary community service in the city, one of China's wealthiest.
Thirty teams of volunteers, including personnel from government offices, schools, hospitals and social service agencies, attended the inauguration ceremony for the two events at the offices of the municipal government.
Shortly after the ceremony, the volunteers started offering their services in 37 areas of the city, including advice on benefits and medical care and repairing electrical appliances.
The number of volunteers in Guangzhou has grown to more than 260,000, with many senior citizens and foreign nationals participating.
In another economically well-off city in the province, Shenzhen, the volunteer service has also grown with an impressive momentum. Chinese sociologists say these are pleasing signs that after gaining material improvements in their lives, people are seeking to satisfy their social consciences.
(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2002)
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