Twenty years ago a group of expats in Guangzhou gathered together and decided they wanted to give something back to the province that had made them so welcome. It was then that the Guangdong International Volunteer Expat Service, aka GIVES, was born, and giving back has been its mission ever since.
The annual highlight for the charity group is always the GIVES International Food and Fun Fair. To make the 20th anniversary special, on Saturday, November 28, they will be hosting the biggest and best event yet. That is because GIVES has teamed up with the Canton Tower to secure an incredible venue on the outside plaza on the second floor of the city’s most iconic building.
Along with marking two decades of fundraising, the Canton Tower will switch on its 2015 Christmas lights display as darkness falls. Once that ceremony has been held, there will also be a classical music concert, with the proceedings finally closing around 9pm, making it the longest GIVES festival in its proud history.
GIVES President Rosaline Yam, one of the founders two decades ago, says: “It is a great venue that offers us the chance to get more people involved, offer an even greater range of food and fun, and reach out to the whole community here in Guangdong, both locals and expats.
“At GIVES we have the motto of working ‘hand in hand,’ which means we want to work together with the local community to continue to make a real difference.
“Our current focus is to make a difference in the way autism is treated here in China, and we have seen great steps forward in the past couple of years. Conferences have brought international experts and volunteers to support management, trainers, parents and of course children. Our upcoming projects will focus on the development of long-term autism education and clinical training programs to include undergraduate training for both teachers and for parents.”
In terms of support, GIVES works closely with all parts of the international community, from the consulates general to international schools, from chambers of commerce to church groups. Through these contacts they attract a wide range of participants to deliver the fantastic food and great entertainment to ensure the fair is one of the most popular social events on the Guangzhou calendar.
The cross-cultural element is obvious both on and off the stage, as last year’s extravaganza once again proved. Visitors could devour everything from French crepes to cupcakes, Thai food to curry, delicious pasta to fish and chips, provided with support from the likes of Chez Max, DoubleTree by Hilton, Bangkok Bar, Wilber’s, Oggi and Happy Monk. All of this was complemented by a range of beers and wines from around the world.
On stage there will also be a truly international flavor. Last year attendees witnessed Spanish music, baroque orchestra, Indonesian and salsa dancing, muay Thai boxing and gospel singing. A similar mix is guaranteed this month, with the international schools in the city lending their support with choirs, bands and musicians ready to entertain and display their talent.
After the successful visit of an Australian ‘kangaroo’ last year, plans are to welcome a koala this time around. There will be a wide range of sports activities, including Australian AFL, NZ Rugby, mini marathon, and ‘power’ training performances.
Always among the highlights are the performances from some of the youngsters that GIVES works so hard to support. In 2014 the orchestra from one of the local disabled schools brought the house down with their first public performance featuring music from the Lion King.
And with the Christmas lights to be turned on, don’t bet against a repeat appearance from Santa Claus, who made his debut last time around.
Raising money for charity has never been more fun, so make a date in your diary and make sure you are at the Canton Tower on November 28 to eat, drink and enjoy a very merry Christmas experience.
> Nov 28, 11am-9pm, RMB20/adult, RMB10/child. If you are interested in either performing or having a stall, all details can be found and contact made via the charity’s website: www.gives.cn
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