Binzhou in Shandong boosts culture of filial piety and kindness

In recent years, Lize community in Shandong province's Binzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone has been organizing targeted volunteer services for the elderly in various villages.

These services include regular cultural performances and holiday visits to bolster a culture of filial piety and kindness, ensuring that the elderly are cared for both physically and emotionally.

For instance, Chawu new village has established a filial piety canteen and a vegetable garden since 2016, conducting a series of activities focusing on respecting and loving the elderly, while Zhuangkeli village addresses difficulties in eating out for disabled, low-income, and solitary elderly individuals. It also provides free medical consultations for those with mobility issues and offers homework tutoring for left-behind children and volunteer services such as water pipe repairs for elderly in need.

"I'm getting older, and I usually make do with meals at home and don't have anyone to talk to. Now that the village has opened a filial piety canteen, I come for lunch. The food is delicious, and I can sit with everyone, drink tea, and chat. It saves on living expenses and reassures the children. This canteen is just wonderful," said Li Xibin, an 84-year-old resident of Zhuangkeli village.

In the future, Lize will actively explore new paths for rural elderly care services by organizing more culture festivals and storytelling competitions, aiming to embed the culture of filial piety and kindness deeply into people's hearts and make it a shared value across society. (Edited by Xie Zhenzhen)