Beyond the boardroom: Shanghai execs who give back
Going beyond the mere "do-gooder" label and giving their precious little time back to Shanghai’s and China’s communities in need, these charitable-minded chiefs are sure to make Santa's good list for their passion and efforts as they get down and dirty for some serious causes.
Title: Managing director, ARK International
Volunteer organization: Lifeline
Volunteer since: 2004
Why she started volunteering: “A lifelong expatriate, I know all too well the hardships of overseas life and felt the need to reach out to fellow expats. Moving to Shanghai was in some ways challenging. I have a wonderful family and close knit of friends but I realized that without them I would find it far more trying. Fortunately, those who simply need advice or someone to talk to no longer have to go at it alone.”
Why you should volunteer: “Whether volunteering to man the phones or donating, being involved in LifeLine is such a worthwhile act. It’s an extremely important service in Shanghai’s community -- one that we should not be without.”
Lifeline Helpline: +86 21 6279 8990 (10am-10pm, 365 days a year);
Lifeline Shanghai, Lystia Putranto info@lifelineshanghai.com, +86 21 6279 7943, www.lifelineshanghai.com
Title: Regional general manager, Atlas Copco Shanghai (Trading) Co. Ltd
Volunteer organization: Charles Foundation
Volunteer since: 2008
Why he does it: “Having assisted with rescue efforts in Mexico City’s 1985 earthquake, fate years later led me to similar tragedy in China’s Sichuan province. Once again, I wanted to make a ‘tangible’ contribution.”
How he got started: “After an unprecedented successful in-company drive, a dose of serendipity at a local charity bazaar led us to the Charles Foundation -- a perfect match for our funds and successful partnership ever since.”
Why you should get involved: “Supporting the education of mainly impoverished girls with aid ranging from modest stationery supplies to full on scholarships is the best donation one could ever make -- something physical. The gratitude of the people is beyond words.”
Charles Foundation, sally.weiss@yahoo.com, +86 1381 7858 409, www.charlesfoundation.org
Title: General manager, Wagas Shanghai Ltd.
Volunteer organization: Baobei Foundation
Volunteer since: 2008
Why she does it: “When reading about how the foundation saves lives of Chinese orphans born with neurological and gastrointestinal disorders, I felt a pang in my heart and wanted to contribute in a ‘hands on’ way.”
First contact: “My first encounter was with a little baby bundled up in blankets looking so beautiful and peaceful. She had a tumor larger than a tennis ball on the back of her head and desperately needed human touch. Meeting her helped me gain a new perspective. I’m very thankful for all that I have and for where I am today.”
Why you should get involved: “With average live-saving surgery costs at RMB 40,000, raising funds can be challenging for the organization. However as an individual, the time or money we can donate is easy to find, it can be instead of a massage, manicure or gin and tonic that we spend each week.”
Baobei Foundation, Carol Hoag, carol@baobeifoundation.org, +86 1590 097 2846, www.baobeifoundation.org
Title: CEO, J. E. Harrison
Volunteer organization: Founder, Catalyst Foundation
Volunteer since: 2006
Why she does it: “Throughout my lifetime working in finance, I’ve found that economic inequality and instability lead to poverty, mainly due to lack of opportunities.”
Why this work is important: “The disadvantaged women of Catalyst Foundation are victims of the economic structural change in China. With the mission of ‘helping women help themselves,' we empower these women through work opportunities, improving their financial means and helping them regain their lost identities and independence.”
Why you should volunteer: “Being charitable certainly makes one feel good, but people empowerment is the root of helping those who are less privileged.”
Catalyst Foundation, Junie Tong, +86 21 3251 5182, jtherese.tong@catalystfoundation.org.uk
Title: CEO of CCBM (Coca Cola Bottling Manufacturer, LTD)
Volunteer organization: Shanghai Roots & Shoots (a division of the Jane Goodall Institute)
Volunteer since: 2006
Why he does it: “Everyone should try to do something. If you are in a position to make something happen, you have a responsibility to do so.”
Spreading the volunteer message: “The boss of a logistics company who came on a tree planting project was so moved that when he returned from it, he challenged his management to identify a local project involving the entire staff. During a visit six weeks later, he took me through a fantastic plan and strategy to support a water conservation project.”
Why you should volunteer: “These programs help change behavior and demonstrate to people that as individuals, they can make a difference just by making better choices.”
Roots & Shoots Program; The Jane Goodall Institute – Shanghai ZeeZee Zhong, zeezee.zhong@jgi-shanghai.org, +86 21 6352 3580, www.jgi-shanghai.org
