Think of the typical expat experience in Guangzhou and the first thing that comes to mind is a high paying job with all the perks a company car, luxurious accommodation and big spending.

 

It's a life far removed from the local community, hidden behind the walls of some exclusive district in the suburbs.

 

But rather than being detached from the local community, an increasing number of expats are finding satisfaction from helping others through volunteer organizations.

 

One such group, the Guangzhou International Volunteer Expat Service, or GIVES, participates in many causes including child care and orphanage visits, support for nursing homes and the handicapped, and programs to help women become financially independent.

 

A foreigner-only volunteer organization created by a loose-knit group of friends in 1995, GIVES provides a wide range of financial and non-financial services to disadvantaged groups throughout the city.

 

"Through GIVES, the expat community has a platform to provide such help," says Rosaline Yam, GIVES' founder and director of its executive committee.

 

"As well as individuals, we have a network of supporters including international schools, corporations and other expat associations."

 

GIVES' volunteers come from all walks of life, while those with specialist skills are particularly sought after to help with administration, technical tasks or project coordination.

 

"All our staff are volunteers who have their own lives and commitments," she said. "People travel. Some leave and new ones join, so our contact is loose usually through calls and emails. This is the nature of expat life."

 

Being a volunteer is a commitment, says Yam. This means prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.

 

"Before joining, potential volunteers should think about how they want to help and how they can contribute."

 

Of those who do get involved, "all find it a rewarding experience".

 

"It is a chance to network and meet other foreigners from different countries. Plus you get a deeper understanding of the local community."

 

"There is a great camaraderie among the volunteers individuals and organizations," says Bonnie Melton, a long time GIVES participant, who has been helping the disadvantaged both in China and her native US.

 

The former resident of Hawaii, Melton first began social work in housing projects during the US Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, before eventually finding her way to China in 1984.

 

A common trait among volunteers and those who have a strong attachment to China is "compassion and an ability to put themselves in other peoples' shoes", she said.

 

Over the years, Melton and her husband have coordinated the adoption of local orphans and handicapped children by foreigners but expats can help out in more modest ways if they like, she says.

 

"They can do fundraising, cooking, embroidering, or making arts and crafts for the Christmas and Food Fairs. Often volunteers end up buying things from each other!"

 

Through such deeds, "people have a chance to make a difference".

 

"It is very satisfying, to bring a smile to others," says Lare Olabisi, a Nigerian national who has lived in China since 1996.

 

A civil engineer by training, Olabisi now works in the international sales division for a kitchen appliances company. Since joining GIVES, he has volunteered as a project coordinator, engineer, cook and website designer.

 

"It is too easy for an expat to live a luxurious life, with no idea about the community they live in. Volunteering gives me a chance to have a richer life in China. I can connect with (local) society and with the culture. And I get to know more people."

 

Olabisi admits that being a volunteer is a commitment of time and effort. But "once you do a project and it is successful, you have a good time and you feel good".

 

GIVES is open to residents who are foreign nationals only. Interested parties can contact GIVES on (8620) 8778 2778.

 

(China Daily March 6, 2007)