Lei Feng spirit never out of date

　　On March 5, 1963, People's Daily carried an article by Mao Zedong titled Learn from Comrade Lei Feng. It was a tribute to the young People's Liberation Army member who died in an accident a year earlier at the age of 22. Lei is remembered for his readiness to help others and since Mao's tribute, March 5 is observed as Lei Feng Day, marked by voluntary acts of serving others.

　　However, as China embraces a market economy and witnesses unprecedented development, some feel different about the Lei Feng spirit. They say the spirit is a product of Lei's time and out of sync in the modern era. Others believe that no matter how the times change, the spirit, characterized by doing good deeds and following high moral standards, will never die. It should be handed down through generations as a national treasure.

　　Every year around Lei Feng Day, a large number of volunteers who have been serving public welfare with dedication are brought into the limelight by the media, their stories moving and inspiring all of us.

　　However, the short-lived focus on the volunteers and their services is far from enough. According to statistics from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, by the end of 2018, there were more than 100 million registered volunteers for various public welfare programs. Besides, there are also many unregistered volunteers, and some temporary voluntary service providers. A wave of voluntarism is sweeping the country. The question is how to sustain various volunteer programs.

　　Those who volunteer their services do not expect any reward but still, this group of individuals and organizations should not be taken for granted. They deserve plaudits and encouragement. This way we can expect the cause to be carried on and the spirit of serving the people spread wider.

　　The Chinese culture has the tradition of doing good deeds without seeking recognition or reward. So when good Samaritans' deeds are brought to light by the media, they may be regarded as trying to cash in on philanthropy. Some people even name their charity programs after themselves. Nonetheless, in these modern times, a high-profile do-gooder is not to be despised. A big feature of modern public welfare acts is the stress on results rather than the motive. In this context, it is reasonable to reward volunteers or give them publicity.

　　Today, learning from Lei Feng is no longer limited to helping the elderly cross the street or helping cleaners sweep the roads. Professional volunteer teams are mushrooming, with their ambit expanding and work becoming more professional and tailored. The demand for organized volunteer group services is on the rise. There should be a whole system of recruiting volunteers to encourage and support people's selfless services to society.