Yearn2Learn works to provide educational and therapeutic facilities to children living in orphanages. The newly established charity is currently working with a children’s welfare organisation located an hour from Beijing in Northern China’s Hebei Province. Last week’s joint effort saw representatives of Santa Fe and AustCham travel to the Yearn2Learn-supported centre to deliver toys, books, clothing and furniture.
Santa Fe business development manager Monty Meng said many expatriate families leave household items behind when returning to their home countries. “This presents an opportunity for Santa Fe to further contribute to community,” Meng said. “By redistributing these items to charity organisations, Santa Fe can ensure the items are used by those who need them most.”
With many rooms in the orphanage left bare, items such as furniture and bedding are crucial for increasing capacity. Orphanage staff said there is also a great need for everyday items such as cleaning products, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap, and for learning materials such as exercise books and stationary. One staff member also mentioned obtaining a washing machine is a priority.
Santa Fe’s contribution to Yearn2Learn is part of a wider global policy on social responsibility. An open policy statement signed last year by Santa Fe CEO Lars Iverson commits Santa Fe to human rights compliance under UN Compact Principles 1-6. “We pledge to continuously monitor our governance system,” says the statement. “to ensure compliance with basic human rights within our organisation and with those whom we interact.”
For AustCham, the donation was an opportunity to continue supporting Yearn2Learn. After providing financial support throughout 2009, AustCham this year hosted a benefit for Yearn2Learn in the form of charity quiz night at Beijing’s Hilton Hotel.
Since last week’s visit, AustCham has established a fund to purchase a washing machine for use in the orphanage. With ten per cent of the needed funds generously donated by Christine Woo, individuals or companies interested in contributing are invited to contact the Secretariat.
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