After the recent earthquake in Haiti, many people’s thoughts have turned to charity. While the big world organisations are accepting donations, and doing all they can to get aid to the people who need it overseas, charities here in Shanghai are collecting for causes closer to home. So if you want to do your bit for local charities, there are plenty of ways. Here are some of Shanghai’s most active charities, and a guide to how you can help.

1) BEAN
Bean is best known for its regular networking nights, but they also do a lot for local charities. Not everyone has time to volunteer on a regular basis, so BEAN organises a variety of short-term projects for busy professionals who want to give something back. Their events include visits to local orphanages, and teaching dental care to migrant children. Find out more at http://shanghai.beanonline.org

2) Heart to Heart
This charity was set up in 2003, and has been raising money ever since for children in rural China who need heart surgery. They sell handmade teddies called Heart Bears, and organise hospital visits where donors and helpers can play with and talk to children in need. To get involved, visit their website at www.heart2heartshanghai.net.

3) Chi Heng Foundation 智行基金会
AIDS is a huge problem in China, and the Chi Heng Foundation, established in Hong Kong, promotes awareness, research, and care. They work to encourage acceptance for the LGBT community, and organise events and outreach programs. Money they raise goes towards caring for children orphaned by AIDS. Find out more at www.chihengfoundation.com/index_en.html.

4) Bao Bei Foundation
‘Bao Bei’ means precious, and refers to one of life’s most precious things – children. The foundation is a Shanghai charity which helps orphans with brain and stomach problems. They work in conjunction with Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, and accept donations from around the world, as well as organising fundraising events and selling Bao Bei merchandise to raise money. To find out how you can help, go to www.baobeifoundation.org.

5) Shanghai Sunrise
Shanghai Sunrise is a volunteer group run by expats, focusing on sponsoring needy children in Shanghai, who may not otherwise receive an education. They work with the government to help children in poverty, and donors can choose to sponsor a student, a library, or a scholarship. See www.shanghaisunrise.com for more details.

6) Hands on Shanghai
This not-for-profit group matches volunteers with local organisations who need volunteers. Community projects include sending volunteers to visit patients at the Children’s Heart Center, as well as spending time with elderly residents of the Xuhui Care Center. Hands on also welcome skilled professionals to help with their website, legal affairs and PR. Their website is www.handsonshanghai.org.

7) Morning Tears
The Shanghai branch of Morning Tears carries on the good work that has already been done by the organisation in Russia, Ecuador and Belgium. They seek to counsel children who have suffered trauma, particularly those whose parents have been executed, and kids who live on the streets. Email info@morningtears.org to donate or volunteer.

8) The Wheelchair Foundation
This charity is part of a wider international scheme to give a wheelchair to everyone who needs one. A donation of 500 RMB can provide a wheelchair for someone – a small price to pay for something so vital. To find out how you can help someone get mobile, visit www.wheelchairfoundation.org.

9) The Giving Tree
Christmas and Chinese New Year are traditionally times of plenty and generosity, but not everyone is lucky enough to receive gifts. The Giving Tree makes sure that Shanghai’s underprivileged children don’t miss out on goodies, working in conjunction with the Community Center Shanghai. Last year, they gave away 10,000 gift bags. They accept donations of either time, or gift bags (of 150-200 RMB value). Visit http://givingtreechina.org/cms to find out more.

10) LifeLine
Sometimes the expat life can get you down. If the pressures of living here get too much, LifeLine is here to help. Counselling is free and completely anonymous, and if you want to become part of the LifeLine team as a volunteer, you can train as a telephone helpline counsellor or donate time and money to projects. Their website is www.lifelineshanghai.com and has plenty of information.

A really helpful website when it comes to charity in Shanghai is Lasso (www.lasso-china.org/). It gathers information about various charities and events across the city, and is a valuable resource for people who want to do good.

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