Volunteers to help sick children

The Shanghai "Sunshine Love" Volunteers Association, whose members will work to soothe children suffering from leukemia and their parents, was officially formed yesterday to mark the International Children's Day.

According to Wednesday's Shanghai Daily, nine volunteer groups with more than 50 members in total have joined the association, the first of its kind in the city.

The volunteers include those from Shanghai Airlines, East China Normal University and Shanghai TV Station.

"Children suffering from leukemia and their parents are a special group who are burdened with heavy mental and economic pressure. On one hand, they need love and comfort. On the other hand, they have strong self-respect," said Tian

Xiong, an official with the Shanghai Women and Children Committee. "As a result, we need a professional team to offer psychological support and comfort to them."

The Children's Hospital, affiliated to Fudan University, will train the volunteers on leukemia, psychological and communication skills before they start the program.

Then they will call and visit the families regularly, playing together with the children and giving them guidance in study. If the sick children are in stable condition, they can take them out sightseeing around the city.

Five groups signed an agreement with five suffering families yesterday to offer service.

"I think it a very significant thing to help the needy. If the family has any difficulties, we can contact others and some organizations for help," said Zhou Zhenyi, 20, a volunteer majoring in social work at Shanghai Youth Cadre Management College. "For us, the most important thing is respect, communication and listening attentively to the children and their parents."

Source: Shanghai Daily