On May 10, the “One Family Walks Together – One Year Anniversary of the May 12 Wenchuan Earthquake” event co-organized by Jet Li One Foundation, Chinese Red Cross Foundation, CCP Commission of Aba Prefecture, Aba Government and Chinese Young Volunteers Association was held in Yingxiu Town, Wenchuan County. The purpose of the event was to demonstrate the achievements after one year of reconstruction, promote continuous social attention and support to the reconstruction effort, and expedite the recovery and growth of Sichuan tourism industry.

       During the event, Mr. Jet Li, the founder of One Foundation and more than 200 volunteer representatives from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China and of various professions walked through the epicenter – Yingxiu Town and finished a 5.12km section of rugged mountain road on foot. It is said that such walk is a mature form of activity in other countries, where it is used every year by many non-profit organizations to raise public attention and support to the charitable cause. In Hong Kong, the Walk for Millions is a popular charitable event with a long history. As it is convenient for the citizens to participate, it is well received by the public and tens of thousands join the walk every time, showing its extensive social influence. However, it was the first time that such walk was held in mainland China. One Foundation said that the objective of holding the first charitable walk in mainland China was to raise the continuous attention to the post-earthquake reconstruction from more people, and introduce such simple form of activity to the public so that more can take part in the charitable cause.

Jet Li with volunteer representatives of various professions   Women of the Qiang Nationality present red Qiang embroidery

         Participants of the Walk included leaders of Chinese Red Cross Foundation and various authorities, Star Volunteer representatives of One Foundation, delegates from non-profit organizations, volunteer representatives of entrepreneurs, as well as delegates from China Merchant Bank Credit Card, West China City Daily and non-governmental volunteer’s rescue league, some of whom even brought their kids, and all joined the activity at their own expenses. The participants saw the destroyed Baihua Bridge and the ruin of Yingxiu Elementary School along their way, but they also witnessed the prosperous reconstruction effort and were deeply moved by the optimism and determination of the local people. A special demonstration area was set up by One Foundation at the end of the Walk, where the walkers could learn about the reconstruction projects and progress, and further understand the post-earthquake reconstruction work.

Mr. Jet Li, the founder of One Foundation and more than 200 volunteer representatives of various professions walk through the epicenter – Yingxiu Town

        Besides the volunteers at the site, many companies answered One Foundation's call and took part in this event. For example, P&G and Ting Hisin International Group donated material worth over RMB 1 million.

        Prior to the event, One Foundation’s volunteer recruitment through Internet, print media and other channels received tremendous amount of feedback. However, only a handful of lucky applicants could come due to venue limitations. To let other family members who could not attend in person experience the actual event and make their contribution, One Foundation had launched many special on-line activities. Specially-designed small games including Hand-in-Hand to Trek the Wenchuan Road and Hearts Together to Warm Wenchuan, which could be played on-line or downloaded to mobile phones, simulated the actual walk held in Wenchuan so the players could experience the trip through the disaster area and send their blessings to the victims. Meanwhile, One Foundation launched the Loving Shoe auction on www.taobao.com, so that people could enjoy fashion and make contribution to the earthquake victims at the same time. For more activities, please visit One Foundation official website at www.onefoundation.cn. By May 10, more than one million people had participated in the virtual walk through on-line features, game downloads and other activities.