“Move others with your heart. Act with love!” Social Affairs Bureau, Taichung City held “Awarding and Recognizing Ceremony of Outstanding Social Welfare Volunteer Individuals and Groups” today (23rd) at the city government building on Taiwan Boulevard. 1,605 individuals were awarded with Outstanding, Benevolence, Fraternity and Charity Awards, while 9 groups were recognized as outstanding volunteer groups. The Social Affairs Bureau stated that not only the number of awarded volunteers exceeds previous years, among them, 54 volunteers have devoted themselves in volunteer activities for more than 10 years. The bureau thanks society’s support towards these volunteers.

The “Charity Award” of the social welfare volunteers, which recognizes those who have devoted themselves in volunteer activities for more than 10 years and accumulated more than 2000 service hours, was awarded to 54 volunteers. The “Fraternity Award”, which recognizes those who have devoted themselves in volunteer activities for more than 5 years and accumulated more than 1000 service hours, was awarded to 447 volunteers. The “Benevolence Award”, which recognizes those who have devoted themselves in volunteer activities for more than 3 years and accumulated more than 800 service hours, was awarded to 452 volunteers. The “Outstanding Award”, which recognizes those who have devoted themselves in volunteer activities for more than 1 year and accumulated more than 300 service hours, was awarded to 655 volunteers. Also, 9 outstanding volunteer groups were also recognized.

Director Lue Jen-der of Social Affairs Bureau stated that becoming “the capital of volunteers” has been a city vision that Mayor Lin Chia-lung endeavored to achieve. Not only has the number of awarded volunteers exceeded previous years, the number of volunteers also increased greatly, reaching 92,455 people. Volunteers have contributed silently at different corners of society and devoted themselves to serve those who need to be taken care of. Their selfless spirit of contribution is the role model of citizens. We thank the hard work and contributions to those awarded.

The ceremony today was well attended. Besides the awarding ceremony at the city government building, street artist performances and heartwarming photo areas were also arranged outside so that their family members and friends can share their joy. Among all, volunteer Lin Ling-ru from the Taichung branch of the Red Cross Society has served over 8,899 hours. Although she is already 65 years old this year, she is still participating enthusiastically in assisting training events and distributing food and material resources. She always carries a cheerful smile on her face while doing her services and looks both young and energetic as if not aging a bit.

Director Lue further calls on to the citizens that the volunteer recruitment of “2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition” has started and an estimation of 20,000 volunteers are needed. He expects more volunteers to take part in this event, allowing foreign friends to feel the passion and love of Taichung so that “Livable Taichung” can once again emerge onto the world.