Several foreign students from Zhejiang University dance at a party for the elderly in Zhoushan Social Welfare Center on Jan 28. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

Ten foreign students from Zhejiang University attended a party given at the social welfare center in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province on Jan 28, to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year with some local elderly residents. 

They sang and danced for the elderly as part of their voluntary services for them and sent scarves for those aged 80 and 90 as a goodwill gesture.   

The elderly, aged 86 on average, also presented many shows such as the Sinkiang Dance, Yue Opera, a traditional Chinese opera originating in Shengzhou, Zhejiang province, shadowboxing, and chorus, all of which were designed and prepared by themselves. 

The foreign students commented that the activity was very meaningful and that they had gained a real sense of the traditional filial piety culture of China from it. 

The Zhoushan Social Welfare Center has always paid much attention to the spiritual needs of the elderly under their care, with similar activities held in every major national holiday such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Spring Festival.

"We hold the party to give the elderly a chance to show their skills and enrich their lives, and we are grateful for the volunteers and charity groups who have helped and showed their concern for the elderly," said Qian Youfen, director of the center. 

There have been 52 groups of 500 people who have participated in the voluntary services for the elderly in the center over the past year.

Foreign students send scarves for those aged 80 and 90 at the party. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

Some elders sing a song at the party. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]