Warm porridge sends seasonal greetings

Jiangsu Road Subdistrict in Changning District joined hands with local merchants to distribute laba porridge to elderly residents last Friday, conveying heartfelt seasonal warmth and demonstrating the power of business-resident integration.

 

Laba Festival, observed on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month, marks the start of the Chinese New Year celebration season. This year, laba falls on January 26 with the Chinese New Year kicking off on February 17.

 

In many areas in China, people maintain the tradition to eat porridge on this day, as the porridge, typically a blend of various grains, nuts and dried fruits, is a blessed symbol of harvest and happiness in the upcoming new year.

 

At 6am on January 23, staff at Guoleixi, a Wenzhou-style eatery at Lane 1088, Yuyuan Road, were busy simmering porridge in large woks with more than 10 kinds of ingredients, including dates, red beans, lotus seeds and walnuts. The sweat and appealing aroma from the bubbling mixture filled the kitchen. It took over three hours of slow cooking to make the porridge sticky, soft and smooth so that "it is easy for the elderly to digest," according to the staff.

 

Once ready, the porridge was packed in 200 boxes and delivered to local seniors by a team formed by workers from Jiangsu Road Subdistrict and Qishan Community, as well as community police officers and employees from local merchants.

 

They visited Jinfu No. 2 Senior Care Home and elderly residents living alone or of advanced age in the community.

 

Uncle Hong, who has lived at Lane 1088, Yuyuan Road for over half a century, had just moved back to his home after the completion of a government-sponsored renovation project. He is to celebrate his first Spring Festival in the renovated home.

 

"It's so nice to receive the porridge," Uncle Hong said. "I’m truly grateful for everyone’s care. I am full of hope for the future life here."

 

The porridge distribution, while conveying the community's care for the elderly, is a good example of government-business collaboration and community governance, according to Xu Yinlan, brand director with Shanghai Chuangyi Industrial Co Ltd.

 

This initiative is the first joint government-business event of the “Yujian Youhao” program in the Yuyuan Road area. Under the program, participating businesses will be designated as monthly "warm-heart partners" to offer exclusive discounts for local seniors during specific periods.

 

"We will recruit more catering and daily service merchants to join our program to extend the public care and companionship for the elderly in our community," Xu added.