Warm Encounters, Love Without Loneliness | FYJ Volunteers Visit Gaoquan Care Home

Warm Encounters, Love Without Loneliness | FYJ Volunteers Visit Gaoquan Care Home
Giving kindness, receiving abundance.
Brightening others, illuminating ourselves.

On January 20, 2026, ten volunteers from the Guangzhou FYJ Volunteer Service Team arrived at Gaoquan Care Home on Chentai Road, Baiyun District, carrying supplies and hearts full of compassion.This was more than just a goodwill visit; it was a dialogue of hearts-a mutual journey about altruism and self-interest, about giving and receiving.

01 Encounter: Opening a Door, Entering a World

Established in 1997, Gaoquan Care Home is a fully residential non-profit social welfare institution. It is home to 102 special family members, ranging in age from 9 to 92 years old.Before stepping through the gate, a sense of the unknown brought slight apprehension. But inside, the volunteers were greeted by innocent smiles and warm welcomes.

"We don’t need to pick and choose shoes. Having a pair of feet is already a blessing." This heartfelt remark from "Mother Ge," the home's matron, 

gently spoken, resonated deeply within many volunteers, leaving a lasting echo.

02 Witnessing: Purest Sincerity, Brightest Smiles

In the courtyard, an uncle in military camouflage sang and danced along to the music from start to finish, his smile as radiant as sunshine. As the event concluded, some noticed a faint glimmer of tears in his eyes—a sign of his reluctance to part with the brief companionship.
Another "grown child" had clear, bright eyes. Holding a volunteer’s hand, he sang song after song and recited poem after poem. "From thinking he could only recite six poems to completing ten flawlessly, the way he clapped and laughed was truly moving."
There was a wheelchair-bound uncle who loved waving, an aunt who conducted the music with her arms, an uncle who earnestly shared stories of the "Eighth Route Army"... Their minds may reside in childhood, but their emotions are genuine and full.

03 Reflection: The Unseen Corners and the Visible Dedication

The volunteers also stepped inside the rooms.They saw children with cerebral palsy bedridden for years, youths who need protection from self-harm, and elderly residents unable to care for themselves. These scenes brought tears to many eyes."Some lives, from a very young age, are confined to a single bed, lying there for a lifetime," one volunteer wrote. "It makes the heart ache and reminds us how precious our ordinary daily lives truly are."

Even more touching was the day-in, day-out dedication of the caregivers. "They remember everyone's name and understand everyone's habits." This steadfast commitment within the ordinary is a quiet yet solid warmth within the care home.

04 Insight: Altruism is Also Self-Benefit

Over two hours, the volunteers distributed supplies, chatted with residents, and sang and danced together. These simple interactions infused the quiet courtyard with joyful vitality."What we conveyed was not just material items, but a sense of being seen, warmth, and respect, " reflected one volunteer. "And in return, their unreserved sincerity healed us."

After the event, Mother Ge shared, "In the process of helping others, we too can harvest spiritual fulfillment and peace—altruism is ultimately the greatest form of self-interest."
This is perhaps the most beautiful form of public service: giving without seeking anything in return, yet feeling genuine gratitude. Love finds its completion in circulation; kindness ascends through transmission.

05 Gratitude: Gathering Sparks of Light to Illuminate the Path Forward

"Thank you to every volunteer who participated today. It was you who gave me this opportunity," said Mother Ge.

The team leader also expressed special thanks: "Besides thanking Mother Ge for creating this opportunity to connect us with a different world, we must also thank the organizing committee members who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes. It is because of this group of us that our FYJ service team has grown even stronger."  It was each individual's participation and contribution that transformed this brief visit into an unforgettable dialogue of life. The songs, laughter, clasped hands, and teary eyes have all become fuel to move forward. Love is not a one-way gift, but a mutual illumination.

The FYJ Volunteer Service Team will continue moving forward, conveying warmth through sincere companionship and practicing the spirit of altruism through simple actions. Because we believe: every spark of light has meaning, and every outstretched hand can make the world a little bit better.

Grateful for the encounter, and looking forward to walking this path together.

Until we meet again!