Caring for Centenarians Initiative in Bama
Photo by Charlie Zhang
For many, Bama County is just a legend, but for the Shenzhen Project Care Foundation and Grandma Care Foundation, Bama has a unique and profound connection. In this land, the Grandma Care Foundation has quietly crafted warm stories of kindness and filial piety for three consecutive years.
From October 25 to 27, 2024, coinciding with Respect for the Aged Month, at the invitation of Bama County Civil Affairs Bureau, the Shenzhen Project Care Foundation and Grandma Care Foundation visited Bama Yao Autonomous County for the third time to conduct a respectful initiative themed “Honoring Historical Cultural Sites and Paying Tribute to Centenarians,” delivering care packages valued at nearly 100,000 RMB, including muscle relief oils, smart canes, pain relief patches, longevity noodles, red dates, and oatmeal to 102 centenarians.
Accompanied by representatives from Bama County, Mr. Chen Meishou, the acting secretary-general of the Shenzhen Project Care Foundation, Mr. Yang Haijun, the founder of the Grandma Care Foundation, and Wan Yuan, the secretary-general of the Grandma Care Foundation, along with Mr. David Lin, chairman of Shenzhen CBMmart International Ltd., traversed mountains to visit nine centenarian representatives, handing these gifts to them.
Bama County representatives expressed their sincere gratitude for the loving visit from the Shenzhen Project Care Foundation and Grandma Care Foundation. They believe that the annual tribute to Bama’s centenarians organized by the Grandma Care Foundation highlights cooperation between Guangdong and Guangxi and represents a significant respectful initiative. They noted that Bama is known as a “World Longevity Town” and a “Chinese Longevity Town.” According to statistics from the Bama Civil Affairs Bureau, by the end of September 2024, the number of centenarians in Bama had reached 102.
This initiative not only provides material care but also demonstrates respect for the people of culturally rich regions. It will further deepen the bonds of friendship between Shenzhen and Bama, promoting communication and cooperation on multiple levels. In the future, we aim to strengthen cooperation with Bama, mobilizing more compassionate individuals to support Bama’s philanthropic endeavors and rural revitalization.
During the visits, centenarians expressed great appreciation for the smart canes donated by the Grandma Care Foundation. Mr. Yang Haijun, the founder of the Grandma Care Foundation, explained that during last year’s visit, many centenarians were using canes made from bamboo poles and small wooden sticks, with some canes even cracked. Therefore, this time, we specially procured smart canes equipped with features like flashlights, warning lights, radios, and anti-tipping alarms, hoping that the companionship of these smart canes will make centenarians’ lives safer and more colorful.
The care packages delivered during the previous two visits were also well-received, particularly the muscle relief oils and pain relief patches, which effectively alleviated the elders’ discomfort. This initiative also received support from compassionate companies like Shenzhen CBMmart International Ltd.
During the visits, Mr. David Lin, representing the caring company, was deeply moved. He expressed, “When I hold the weathered hands of a centenarian, it feels as if I am shaking hands with the epochs they have experienced. From these elders’ deep, story-filled gazes, we seem to see today what countless historical heroes have yearned to witness.” He also stated that upon returning, he would actively mobilize more compassionate individuals to join the Grandma Care Foundation’s efforts to spread kindness and filial piety, allowing more elders to feel the warmth and care of society.
