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How one elderly man is making a difference to his neighborhood
By Pan Zheng |
April 25, 2009, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
WITH the Shanghai Expo approaching, the anticipation of the event has been spreading. Not only governments, but ordinary people are trying to make a contribution to the event.
In the Cangyuan residential area of Jiangchuan Subdistrict, there lives an 85-year-old man, who has been picking up litter in the neighborhood every day since Expo announced its 600-day countdown. His name is Zheng Jinde, but he known locally as "Old Red Hat."
Every day, from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, residents in Cangyuan residential area can see the old man with his red hat and a litter stick, searching the lawns, streets and gardens. That's Zheng at work. Although his age - he is over 80 - means his steps are not always firm or steady, he doesn't miss a thing, not a cigarette butt, a piece of orange peel, a plastic bottle, the smallest piece of paper.
And every time he spots some litter he makes sure he picks it up, no matter how difficult it might be for him. Zheng is a kind man who has always cared for his community. Last September, when there were 600 days to go before the Expo, the old man was thinking how he might be able to contribute to Expo.
"I'm old now and not able to do many things. But I can at least pick up litter and help maintain the environment for the community." Since then, Zheng has taken this on as his work. His wife reminds him to go to work in time every day, and sometimes brings tea for him.
A few residents used to ask Zheng: "Are you paid for your work?" Zheng always answered: "Yes, my pension is my salary."
Zheng's efforts have affected all the community. People who used to litter unthinkingly have changed. Now with less than 400 days to the countdown, Zheng can see the changes his work has brought about. "When I first began my work, I could collect four packs of rubbish every afternoon. But in recent months, I find I am collecting less than one pack."
One community official says: "Zheng's spirit has inspired many people. They have learned from him, and are beginning to collect the litter in their neighborhoods."
As he grows old, Zheng's health is deteriorating. But he promises that as long as he can walk, he will not give up his work until the Expo opens. He hopes that every one can do something good. "Then the environment will definitely be improved."
In the Cangyuan residential area of Jiangchuan Subdistrict, there lives an 85-year-old man, who has been picking up litter in the neighborhood every day since Expo announced its 600-day countdown. His name is Zheng Jinde, but he known locally as "Old Red Hat."
Every day, from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, residents in Cangyuan residential area can see the old man with his red hat and a litter stick, searching the lawns, streets and gardens. That's Zheng at work. Although his age - he is over 80 - means his steps are not always firm or steady, he doesn't miss a thing, not a cigarette butt, a piece of orange peel, a plastic bottle, the smallest piece of paper.
And every time he spots some litter he makes sure he picks it up, no matter how difficult it might be for him. Zheng is a kind man who has always cared for his community. Last September, when there were 600 days to go before the Expo, the old man was thinking how he might be able to contribute to Expo.
"I'm old now and not able to do many things. But I can at least pick up litter and help maintain the environment for the community." Since then, Zheng has taken this on as his work. His wife reminds him to go to work in time every day, and sometimes brings tea for him.
A few residents used to ask Zheng: "Are you paid for your work?" Zheng always answered: "Yes, my pension is my salary."
Zheng's efforts have affected all the community. People who used to litter unthinkingly have changed. Now with less than 400 days to the countdown, Zheng can see the changes his work has brought about. "When I first began my work, I could collect four packs of rubbish every afternoon. But in recent months, I find I am collecting less than one pack."
One community official says: "Zheng's spirit has inspired many people. They have learned from him, and are beginning to collect the litter in their neighborhoods."
As he grows old, Zheng's health is deteriorating. But he promises that as long as he can walk, he will not give up his work until the Expo opens. He hopes that every one can do something good. "Then the environment will definitely be improved."
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