Shanghai Daily News

When he is in class, Xu Rui is a quiet and diligent student, listening attentively, thinking actively and taking notes meticulously.

As a postgraduate math major studying at Fudan University in Yangpu District, the Shandong Province native who deals with numbers, equations and axis all day long, has gotten into the habit of thinking twice before speaking.

After class, however, the 23-year-old turns from being a docile and discreet student into an active and ardent fundraiser. He is the chairman of the Xianghui Children's Hope Charity Fund and the chief director of the Postgraduate Union's Youth Volunteer Department.

"I feel lucky to be a part of this 'love cause,' although it was totally by accident," Xu said with a smile.

Two years ago he was chosen as a recommended postgraduate because of his excellent academic performances; this college boy, who was absorbed in a world of math and an expert in theorems on the basis of axioms and postulates, only had a vague idea of what charities were about.

"Without unemployment pressure like my fellow students, I had plenty of time and wanted to do something good after so many years of working on the books," he said. "I happened to see the Postgraduate Union was recruiting new members so I signed up, not knowing I would be assigned to the Youth Volunteer Department."

Starting with running errands, distributing brochures and putting up posters, Xu faithfully adhered to his duties, though they were trivial and boring. But what this newbie found really awkward and dismaying was to collect money in front of the school canteen.

"At first, I felt like a beggar who was asking for people's pity and alms on the street," he said with a bitter smile. "What was worse, many of them just walked away, turning their backs on our collection box."

For Xu, it was not an easy time for him solve math problems. His charity work needed patience and perseverance instead of the high IQ required for his studies.

Soon, teachers' offices, classrooms, the canteen, alumni parties and the school's Youth League branch where all places Xu staked out to promote his projects, raise funds and get support.

"Sometimes I had to skip classes, so staying up late at night to make up those missed lessons became a common occurrence for me," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

His efforts, however, paid off at last as more than 60 classes and individuals have joined his programs over the past two years. They have donated more than 60,000 yuan (US$7,500) to aid 60 unprivileged children from poor families in Wujiaochang, the community where Fudan is located.

"I remembered how shocked I was the first time I stepped into a sponsored child's home. Four people lived in a flat no more than 20 square meters. They had to share a bathroom and a kitchen with their neighbors," Xu recalled, shaking his head. "Those kids, often ignored and excluded from their peers, are usually timid and introverted, reluctant to communicate with others."

He said he realized that besides money, the children also needed love and care. Every week, he and other volunteers go to the families' homes to play games, shop with them and providing tutoring.

"To some extent, I think it helps more than mere money," he theorized.

Last year, Xu was promoted to chief director of the Youth Volunteer Department in charge of the Xianghui Children's Hope Charity Fund.

He feels much has changed in his life and outlook during the past two years.

 "I have become much busier, more sociable and more sympathetic towards those who are suffering."

He said that it was difficult for him now to just walk away from beggars on the street. "Especially when I see some handicapped or deformed children. Even though I know a lot of them might not be real beggars."

In his quarters at the university are piles of letters from the parents of sponsored children he has helped, expressing their gratitude.

"I hope more people can step out of their cold world and extend their hands to help those in need. Virtue is its own reward," Xu said.

For more information, e-mail Xu at fdgsu@fudan.edu.cn.