Doria Nan

there_sun@163.com

EVEN Shenzhen’s hot and sunny weather could not suppress the enthusiasm of the citizens attending the 15th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF). One can feel the youthful vigor of the volunteers at the fair’s main venue – the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center.

In the sun, the red vest-wearing volunteers stand in the north gate plaza of the exhibition center, at the ticket office and other places outside the venue to maintain order, help visitors enter the fair in an orderly manner and answer questions. Their warm smiles and professional guidance are the hallmark of volunteers.

“The entrance is very important, as it’s the public’s first impression of the ICIF,” said Zhang Jingjie, the leader of the charity group of Shenzhen Volunteer Association.

Upon entering the fair, services like answering questions, providing route guidance, issuing a venue map, giving Metro tickets to departing visitors, broadcasting calls to search for lost items and more are provided by volunteers.

These volunteers are students at Shenzhen Polytechnic, and most of them are between 19 and 23 years old. There are more than 100 volunteers offering their services at the ICIF, according to volunteer coordinator Zheng Jianyan. Shenzhen Polytechnic has been providing volunteer services to the ICIF for 14 years.

“Most of the service work is very subtle,” said volunteer Wang Siqi from Shenzhen Polytechnic. Wang is participating in the volunteer service for the first time. “Although I may be answering the same questions over and over, helping others makes me happy.”