Refreshing Action Highlights the Warmth of Quanzhou

　　Quanzhou, 16 October 2024 (Reporters: Chen Minghua, Xu Yimei, Chen Mingxiang, Gao Yun)

　　A single bottle of water, refreshing an entire city. The "Free Water Distribution for Workers in High Temperatures" initiative, part of Quanzhou’s 2024 "Serving the People" Civil Practice Campaign and the "Volunteer Passion" Volunteer Service Programme, launched on 1 July 2024. The campaign established 11 "love fridges" and several tea stations across the city, providing free bottled water and cold drinks to essential workers such as sanitation staff, delivery couriers, bus drivers, and traffic police officers.

　　Volunteers took to the streets, distributing water as part of a relay of kindness. By 8 October, after 100 days of ongoing service, the 11 "love fridges" had distributed a total of 165,600 bottles of mineral water, helping to "ignite the spirit" of volunteerism and urban solidarity in Quanzhou. These small acts of generosity also allowed visitors to experience the warmth of the city, reflected in every corner where the "love fridges" stood.

　　The event was organised by the Publicity Department of the Quanzhou Municipal Committee, the Municipal Committee of the City’s Direct Authorities, the Civilisation Office, the Cyberspace Affairs Office, the Quanzhou Traffic Police, and the Southeast Evening News. The initiative was jointly hosted by the Municipal Workers' Union Committee, the Licheng District Committee Propaganda Department, the Fengze District Social Work Department, and the Quanzhou Southeast Charity Association. Collaborating partners included Fujian Torch Electronics Technology Co., Ltd., China Pacific Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Quanzhou Branch, the Fengze Traffic Police Brigade, Quanzhou Bus Group, Fengze Urban Operations Ltd, the Little Falcon Volunteer Service Team, the Southeast Evening News Volunteer Team, and other local organisations.

　　Community Engagement: Generosity from the Public

　　Throughout the initiative, the public showed great enthusiasm in donating water to the "love fridges," ensuring the supply of fresh water for workers enduring the high temperatures. In September, Ms Chen, a local resident, took time between dropping her child at school and going to work to donate water at the Quanzhou Mall Southeast Charity Volunteer Service Station. She became a regular contributor, even involving her son, a high school student, in donating 20 boxes of water in August. She also volunteered for cleaning duties at the station and encouraged her son to participate during public holidays, reflecting the deep sense of community spirit.

　　A total of 2,500 volunteers, including individuals like Ms Chen, contributed to the smooth operation of the "love fridges." These volunteers provided onsite assistance and made donations. For example, Southeast Charity’s Vice President Zhu Yaoming donated ￥2,000, while board member Lin Shanshan contributed ￥1,000. Additionally, the 103rd class of Quanzhou Experimental School donated 30 boxes of water and several books to the stations.

　　Several local businesses were also active participants. Fujian Torch Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. donated 1,000 boxes of water and, in collaboration with Southeast Charity, supported frontline workers such as traffic police, construction workers, and sanitation staff. Company Deputy Party Secretary Du Xuetang expressed that the aim was to bring more companies and individuals into the fold of charity work, fostering a harmonious, loving, and supportive community.

　　100 Days, 165,600 Bottles: A City United in Compassion

　　In total, the 11 "love fridges" distributed 165,600 bottles of mineral water over 100 days. This small yet meaningful gesture has become a symbol of Quanzhou’s large-scale compassion.

　　The "love fridge" at the Quanzhou Experimental Primary School is the only one located at a school entrance, serving many bus and sanitation workers. Since its launch on 16 July, over 400 students and parents volunteered to replenish water supplies. The Parent-Teacher Association, including volunteers Cai Yingying, Zheng Hui, and Chen Xiaoli, organised students to refill water twice daily, distributing a total of 1,320 boxes.

　　During the National Day holidays, the "love fridges" in high-traffic areas, such as the one at the Zhonglou Traffic Police Post, became particularly popular, providing water to numerous citizens and tourists. Volunteer policemen ensured that the fridges were well-stocked, particularly during peak times, helping to keep the community hydrated and refreshed.

　　The Southeast Charity’s "Water Donation" programme has been running since 2012 and launched the "love fridge" project in 2018. To date, the initiative has distributed 1.05 million bottles of water, bringing relief to frontline workers in high-temperature environments, while promoting kindness, goodwill, and positive social energy.