Winter Warmth: Aratum’s Tribute to Xi’an’s Sanitation Workers

Xi’an is one of China’s fastest-growing cities, bustling with infrastructure and busy public, private, and business districts. As progress relentlessly hits the city, it’s easy to undermine the quiet heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain its cleanliness. Xi’an depends on at least 20,000 sanitation workers who wake up as early as 3-4 a.m. to clean up the streets, sometimes with empty stomachs. 

In recognition of sanitation workers’ invaluable contributions, the Aratum China team organized an activity focused on their health and well-being. We partnered with Love Porridge Charity in Xi’an, China, to provide breakfast for 200 sanitation workers and senior citizens. 

Headed by Chen Xiao, the Love Porridge charity has been around since 2018. “Opening this porridge shop was one of my earliest entrepreneurial endeavors. After gaining success and savings, I thought about giving back to society. I believe entrepreneurs should go beyond expanding and strengthening their businesses; they should also give back and help the community, especially those most in need,” Chen Xiao said.

Addressing the Lack of Volunteers During the Winter Season

Love Porridge boasts a good number of volunteers, but it decreases during winter when the temperature can drop to zero degrees Celsius.

“We particularly need volunteers in the winter. The cold and snowy weather makes it hard for most people to go out early. However, it touches me deeply when I find unexpected volunteers showing up on cold mornings aware of our volunteer shortage and willing to lend a hand,” Chen Xiao said.

Because there were few volunteers during the winter, the Aratum China team woke up way ahead of their office work schedule to cook delicious porridge and serve it to the sanitary workers and senior citizens. 

“From preparing the ingredients to cooking, we were excited and felt everyone’s enthusiasm. When distributing food to the workers and the elderly, I received a lot of gratitude, which deeply moved me,” shared Coco Dong, HR Specialist, Aratum China.

The activity sparked profound realization, particularly in Cynthia Wang, Aratum China’s Product and Project Manager. “It was the first time I saw so many sanitation workers gather together. I have enjoyed this clean city every day without thinking about how it came about. I used to complain about going to work early and coming home late, thinking I had it hard, but after seeing these sanitation workers, I realized my hardships were nothing in comparison.”

Giving Back to the Sanitation Workers

Volunteerism is an act of service, sacrifice, and generosity that brings happiness and appreciation to those served. This time around, Aratum is giving back. The sanitation workers and senior citizens have given many years of their lives in servitude to the people and city of Xi’an. Nevertheless, we saw how happy they were with the food we gave them.

Xue Suling, a 78-year-old senior citizen, expressed her gratitude with a beaming smile. “Eating here at Love Porridge has been a great help to us seniors. Their staff works hard, waking up at 4 a.m. to cook for us. They even treat us better than our own children do,” she said.

Sanitation worker Yang Meifang shared, “I have been benefiting from the Love Porridge charity for six years. Eating breakfast here helps me save enough money to cover my rent. My spouse and I save at least 20 Yuan daily because we do not need to buy breakfast elsewhere.”

Love Porridge Charity head and founder Chen Xiao also expressed her appreciation for Aratum: “With Aratum’s help, our kitchen thrived and radiated positive energy despite the cold weather. I anticipate mutual support, spreading comfort and warmth in our city. Activities like this also enrich Xi’an’s reputation and embody our cultural and humanitarian spirit.”

“Moreover, we want to show these sanitation workers that they have our support—to make them feel that while they serve society, there are also people serving them,” Chen Xiao added.

The Aratum team is grateful for the opportunity to support the community and bring smiles to those who serve Xi’an behind the scenes. As we move forward, Aratum remains dedicated to expanding our reach and increasing our impact. We invite individuals, corporations, and organizations to join us in our mission. Together, we can continue to change the world, one life at a time.