THE Shenzhen Volunteer Association is a social organization initiated by the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League of China and is composed of volunteers from all walks of life.

Established in 1990, it is China’s first volunteer organization. From 46 volunteers on the founding day to more than one million members now, the association has won fame and respect among residents for their efforts in helping the needy.

“We only had one telephone hotline at that time and it was to provide psychological counseling for locals,” said Wu Jingqin, one of the 19 initiators of the organization and who has witnessed the growth of volunteers in Shenzhen.

The saying “Go Ask Volunteers When in Difficulty” has been widely recognized in Shenzhen. Venues where volunteers help others are regarded as the most beautiful places. Volunteers in Shenzhen are also nicknamed “red vests” due to their red vest uniforms.

Apart from offering basic services at the U Stations and other public venues like hospitals, museums, parks, checkpoints and libraries, Shenzhen volunteers are also devoted to improving the city’s livelihood by safeguarding water treatment, food safety, non-smoking areas and other services.(SD News)