International Merchants’ Community Anti-pandemic Donation Initiative

“Are you still green for your Health Code today?” Since the pandemic returned following the cold winter, people in Chengdu constantly checked their health code on a daily basis. The staff working on the community pandemic prevention and control and the volunteers have stepped forward once again, quickly assembling a solid defense line for pandemic prevention and control, joining the fight against the COVID-19, and in doing so, keeping us safe.

These “heroes” standing at the front line and protecting the residents from the virus and its horrifying influence are, in fact, the local merchants in Chengdu. As the second wave pandemic has once again impacted local businesses, especially the catering industry, restaurant customers have significantly declined. Despite their loss and plights, these merchants still eagerly hope to contribute to the anti-pandemic practice. The Laowai HERE team has cooperated with Chinese and foreign merchants to coordinate and contact designated communities in the Wuhou District and the High-tech Zone. Their goal is to organize and assist Chinese and foreign merchants in donating care packages to people who suffer from the pandemic.

On November 12th, several local international merchants started donating food to the pandemic prevention staff and volunteers of Tongzilin Community, Tianhua Community, Shaziyan Community, and Shenghua Community in Chengdu, who received a “feast” provided by the participating local merchants. The provided food included the Spice Magic's donated hot milk tea, and dumplings, Sultan’s Middle Eastern chicken rolls, freshly baked pide bread of Happahappa, IN3 Coffee Factory’s coffee, French chicken rolls from Coucou Roast, various canned food from Vandelay Food, handed out goods; Great Leap’s signature burgers, and, last but not least, fresh bread from Grains n’Beans's.

Foreign Volunteers in Community

Tongzilin Community, Wuhou District

“During the pandemic prevention and control period, community workers and volunteers worked very hard, so we decided to send them some pickled cucumbers, hot sauce, etc. As a foreign resident in Chengdu, I want to help fight against the pandemic through my means. I hope that the pandemic will pass as soon as possible,” said Richard, the founder of Chengdu Vandelay Foods. He’s from the United States and thought that since the community was caring and supportive in all aspects, they needed to do something to help the community in return.

After the first batch of the community’s anti-pandemic care packages has been delivered successfully, merchants have joined hands to contribute warmth and love to the community in the fight against the pandemic. “During the pandemic prevention and control period, the community volunteers are very hardworking. I hope these Coffees can bring them some warmth on cold winter days,” said one of the merchants who brought food and supplies to the volunteers. We have to thank the community’s anti-pandemic personnel for their efforts to prevent the pandemic. We also thank all Chinese and foreign merchants for their donations and dedication to the community.

In the end, we all hope that the pandemic will end as soon as possible!