Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I would like to thank the Fushun government for hosting this lunch and for giving me the chance to speak before you all today. I've been asked to briefly touch on two topics this morning. The first is what volunteer work means to me and the second is how volunteer work relates to Fushun.
For me these topics are deeply intertwined. So speaking about one without the other is not possible. Firstly volunteer work is not a foreign concept to me. I believe all humans hold high the ideals of altruism and compassion for others, but seldom act upon these ideals. I have participated in volunteer work sporadically in the past, but with no real passion invested in it. This has changed now.
I arrived in China on the 6th of May, 2008. After acclimating to my new environment for only 6 days China was struck by the tragedy that was the Sichuan earthquake. Shortly thereafter I saw China's greatest strength. With no reservations I can say that China's greatest strength is it's people. I saw such a tremendous outpouring of concern for others, through both monetary contributions and volunteer work, that I am forever changed. Seeing the poorest worker giving all that he can, seeing an old lady cooking food for the hungry; I came to realize that anyone can help those in need. My occupation is that of a teacher, but even with this job comes ample opportunity to help. Shortly after the earthquake both my school and my colleagues donated to the earthquake relief fund. We also volunteered our time at a few rural school that do not normally have access to foreign teachers. Even after the echoes of the Sichuan earthquake began to fade China did not lose the spirit of the volunteer. I was lucky enough to be able to attend one of the events for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During my attendance I was amazed by the amount of Chinese volunteers visible in every direction. Ready to help you with a smile should you need it.