Shanghai is gearing up for a heartwarming initiative during the upcoming Shanghai Charity Week from Sept 2 to 8, with nearly 1,000 coffee shops across the city lined up to participate in donation initiatives.

For each coffee purchase made during this period, one yuan ($0.14) will be donated, as announced in a press briefing by the city's civil affairs bureau.

Themed "The Warmth of a Cup of Coffee", the initiative is now in its third year, with the number of participating coffee shops skyrocketing from 60 the previous year. The proceeds from these donations will be directed towards supporting migrant children and projects aiding children with autism.

In collaboration with the civil affairs bureaus of Changning and Xuhui districts, special coffee markets for this charitable cause will be set up at Haisu Cultural Square, No 200 Wuyi Road in Changning district, and the Xuhui Riverfront Area in Xuhui district.

Among the plethora of coffee brands and vendors participating in this initiative are over 150 coffee brands like One Step Garden and NOWWA coffee, along with 40 coffee vendors and platforms including Ele.me and Xiaohongshu.

Hinichijou, affectionately known as the Bear Paw Cafe, is one of the coffee brands eagerly joining the initiative. Renowned for its signature coffee-serving bear paw and high percentage of employees with disabilities, Hinichijou's founder, Wang Tian, highlighted the inclusive nature of their supply chain, engaging individuals with disabilities such as hearing or sight impairments in every step from planting coffee beans to preparing coffee.

In addition to the donations made by coffee shops, there will be posters available for individuals to scan QR codes and contribute directly. Donors will receive a digital certificate and a coupon for a complimentary coffee at McDonald's as a token of appreciation.

An official from the Civil Affairs Bureau of Xuhui district emphasized that linking coffee with charity makes philanthropic endeavors more accessible and appealing to the public. By intertwining coffee culture with charitable causes, the initiative aims to engage more young people in acts of kindness and community support.

Residents like Lu from Shanghai have expressed enthusiasm for this unique and trendy initiative, noting its appeal to the younger demographic. Lu said she hopes that such engaging and meaningful activities can be expanded nationwide and attract more expats to participate in charitable endeavors, fostering a culture of giving and solidarity.