Xi'an Alliance: Visit to Xiao YuYu and Her Family

Xi'an Alliance is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the ancient city of Xi'an, Shaanxi. Many student volunteers are trained to participate in public welfare activities and social work.  

Xiao YuYu and her father

January 13, 2013, at 10 o'clock in the morning, volunteers from 129th unit of Xi'an Alliance gathered together. We first visited Aunt Wei and brought her some cooking oil, flour, and 100 yuans of relief fund - to help her prepare for the Chinese New Year.    

At noon, we came to Xiao YuYu’s home, located in a village to the north. With so much hardship plaguing the family, Xiao YuYu's father's beard and hair looked very messy. Xiao YuYu's feet are enormous, out of proportion in fact, but also very soft. She has been taking some imported medicines to help her condition, but the side effects of the meds have caused swelling and ulcers in her mouth. On behalf of the Xi'an Alliance, the manager Mr. Zhang gave 100 Yuan relief fund with oil and flour to the family.


Original article written by Yulong Chen, translated by Joe Hsu, editted by Yanyan Zhang

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Because of Xiao YuYu’s illness, the family's pig was sold. The windows are covered with a thin plastic film. We can only imagine how much the family is struggling and suffering in the cold winter.

A light bulb is the only electrical device in Xiao YuYu’s home. This difficult living condition really deeply touches our heart. Do you feel the same way?

Xiao YuYu's grandma is bed-ridden. During our last visit, she came out of the house to greet us and was in good health. Not long ago, though, she suffered a brain stoke and has been confined to bed ever since.