Shunyi celebrates global volunteer contributions

Beijing's Shunyi district — home to more than 10,000 foreign residents and the city's second-largest expatriate community after Chaoyang district — has recognized outstanding Chinese and foreign volunteers during a recent event marking International Volunteer Day, which falls on Friday this year.

Among the honorees was Angus Black, a chartered engineer and fellow of the United Kingdom's Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. Black, who has received numerous accolades for his scientific research, was awarded a special prize for his volunteer service.

Organizers praised Black for supporting major international conferences and exhibitions in Shunyi, including the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, one of China's largest auto shows, which he has assisted on more than 30 occasions.

Black has lived in Beijing since 1991 and moved to Shunyi in 1999. Since then, he has been active in volunteer work and promoting Chinese culture. He is currently a member of the Neighbors United international volunteer team at the Xinxin Home community.

To date, Black has taken part in guiding exhibitions, environmental protection campaigns and tree-planting activities in the district.

"Together with many other foreign volunteers, we actively participated in service support for major international events such as the auto show, the international machine tool show, the Yanjing beer festival, tree planting day and other key district-level activities in Shunyi," Black said. "I have taken the initiative in cultural exchanges and environmental protection. I'm proud to have contributed to promoting the integration of Chinese and foreign cultures and creating a world-class, livable and business-friendly environment."

Explaining why he devotes so much time to local volunteer services, he said, "Locals often call me Comrade Black. I have a deep affection for Chinese culture and local customs. I love the warm and inclusive nature of Beijing and value the living environment and cultural atmosphere of Shunyi district. This recognition and love motivate me to participate in volunteering."

Statistics show a robust volunteer network in Shunyi, with 260,000 registered volunteers and 6,483 service teams. More than 12,000 online volunteer projects have drawn participation from 350,000 people, contributing a total of 2.6 million service hours.

Across the district, over 800 "volunteer homes" are located in museums, libraries, shopping malls and hospitals, offering accessible support services to residents.

Trevor Watlington, a United States citizen who lives near the Beijing Capital International Airport, encouraged more residents to get involved. "I have experienced volunteering back in the US. Personally, I believe everyone should experience volunteering at least once. It helps us appreciate and understand how these efforts contribute to making our lives run smoothly," he said.

Olena Protchenko, a correspondent for China Arab TV and a volunteer with the "You+ International Volunteer Service Team", said, "Witnessing the great development of Shunyi and participating in volunteer services has allowed me to experience the genuine warmth of this area, and I will continue my efforts with more Chinese and international volunteers."