Xi’an volunteers: Distribution of free watermelon day 1

Xi’an Alliance works to promote a spirit of volunteerism. Many student volunteers are trained to participate in public welfare activities and social work. The main office is in Xi’an, China.
 
Good news, good news! Mr. Zhao Wangdong from Hu County’s Wu Zhu Town plants watermelons, and has had recent trouble selling them. On August 13, 2016, the Shanxi News Station’s “City Bulletin,” Shanxi Fire Department, Xinxili Community of Beilin District, Shanxi’s 029 public service center, and the Shanxi Zhichengxinye Network Technical Ltd. all collaborated to give 5000 pounds of watermelon to firefighters, poor elderly people from Xinxili Community, and sanitation workers in the front entrance of the Yonghui Supermarket. The goal: to relieve them from the heat by providing something refreshing!
 
Early in the morning, volunteers all gathered in front of the Yonghui Supermarket door. After introducing themselves, they began to work together, pulling and shoving the 5000 pounds of watermelon into place. It was early in the morning but they were already pouring with sweat.
 
After everything was ready, and following  the host’s impassioned opening speech, a group of women wearing beautiful costumes displayed their attire, posing playfully. They were a ray of sunshine and optimism, and lifted the hearts of the Xinxili residents and firefighters. Applause followed, and the public was drawn to the scene by the burst of applause.
 
Next, the “extinguisher representative” spoke about the importance of safety and preventive measures when using power. During the interactive session, everyone participated enthusiastically, even the supermarket’s security personnel! The firefighters also prepared generous fire prevention gift packages for people who answered questions correctly. When the event ended, volunteers quickly performed their designated jobs: passing out cards and watermelons, and organizing teams. The event was orderly and well-organized due to the hard work and organization of 029 volunteers. Firefighters and residents lined up in an orderly fashion, and people expressed their appreciation to the volunteers. There was an old man that said “I give you guys 100 thumbs ups!”

As a sanitation worker ate chopped watermelon, he said excitedly, "This watermelon is so sweet; it not only is sweet in the mouth but is sweet in my heart." Soon over 5000 pounds of watermelon had been distributed, and activities are nearing their end. The 029 volunteers reflected on the event afterwards, and one first-time volunteer said, "these events are so meaningful, and although I am tired, I am very happy to be that we are together. In the future I will participate more often in charitable events like this one." Soon we were thrown into preparing the afternoon’s activities. Such is the nature of this lovely group of people.

Original article written by Ping Wang, translated by Emma Cockerell, edited by Yanyan Zhang