Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
something more local or personal, these too can be found. Just some of them include
Magic Hospital
(
www.magichospital.org
)
, which aims to help neglected, hospitalized, or
other needy children by providing them with short-term or long-term entertainment or
care;
Half the Sky
(
www.halfthesky.org
), which strives to provide love and care for in-
stitutionalized children who may or may never be adopted;
Prevention Through Educa-
tion
(
www.pte-china.org
)
, which is working to prevent the growing HIV/AIDs epidemic
in China through education; and Jane Goodall's
Roots & Shoots
(
www.jgichina.org
)
,
which is making a big effort to tackle environmental and social issues via education.
New
Day
(
www.newdaycreations.com
)
has a well-established volunteer program. They wel-
come you to come and help with such things as caring for orphans, teaching English,
visiting the elderly, serving the poor, or providing medical care.
Roundabout
(
www.roundaboutchina.com
,
tel. 137/1877-7761), one of the city's most popular charities,
is both a charity-based store in Shunyi and a happy recipient of jettisoned goods from de-
parting expats.
If animals are your interest, there are various groups making an effort to change attitudes
toward our furry friends. These include the
WWF
(
www.wwfchina.org
)
,
International
Fund for Animal Welfare
(
www.ifaw.org/china
)
, and the
Beijing Human and Animal
Environmental Education Center
(
www.animalschina.org
).
For an extensive list of charitable organizations in Beijing, visit the Community listings
at
www.cityweekend.com.cn
or visit the Directory of International NGOs website
(
www.chinadevelopmentbrief.com/dingo
)
. Alternatively, if this all seems too overwhelm-
ing, condense your options with
Rotaract Beijing
(
www.rotaractbeijing.org
), which con-
nects existing volunteer organizations with the community through fun events and network-
ing.
Networking and Mixers
Going to networking events is almost a standard part of expat life in Beijing, and you
should never feel nervous about going to one—be it solo or with a friend. Though of course
there are networking events where romantic matchups might be an ulterior motive, most are
genuinely aimed at linking you up with new friends or business contacts. Most include a
membership fee, and then reduced-price or free entry for members to specific events.
First, fresh-off-the-plane residents should head to one of the regular
International New-
comers' Network
(INN,
www.innbeijing.org
)
meetings. Held in various places in Chaoy-
ang and Shunyi, these low-key, friendly meetings give you information about living in the
city and help you make some friends over coffee and cake.
