More than 1,300 cafes across Shanghai are joining a charity campaign this week to raise funds to help children in need.

Funds raised through the campaign will be collected by the Shanghai United Foundation and allocated to two projects run by the Shanghai Children's Welfare Foundation.

One program helps children of migrant workers in new forms of employment to better understand and integrate into the city through summer camps and community activities. More than 320 children have participated in its summer camps over the past three years.

Another program provides support for children with autism and their families through educational kits, home rehabilitation space upgrades, and parent training courses. More than 275 families have received rehabilitation teaching aids and access to parent training courses.

This year's charity campaign, which runs from Aug 31 to Sept 6, has expanded to more than 90 coffee brands. Returning partners include Hinichijou Coffee, Nowwa Coffee, One Step Garden, and Laiyifen, while new participants include Arabica and Magic Focus. Independent specialty cafes, suburban cafes, and community cafes have also joined, along with 68 cafes operating in bookstores and other book and periodical retail venues.

Cafes are taking part in different ways. Some link coffee purchases with charitable donations, while others promote charity through posters, table cards, cup stickers, and public service videos. Some offer charity gifts or organize interactive activities for customers.

During the campaign, 15,000 co-branded coffee cup sleeves will be distributed. Charity merchandise, including coffee bean bracelets, eco-friendly coffee cups, and dolls, will be offered as gifts at select participating cafes and offline events.

At a roadshow on Aug 28, organizers unveiled the 2026 Charity Coffee Map and charity merchandise, and introduced participating cafes that offer charity gifts.

The Charity Coffee Map has been upgraded this year. Amap launched a dedicated campaign page on Aug 31, allowing residents to search for "爱心咖啡地图" (Charity Coffee Map) and locate nearby participating cafes. Information can also be accessed by scanning QR codes displayed at participating cafes.

The campaign, supported by the Shanghai Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau, is now in its fifth edition.

Yu Lefeng, an official at the Shanghai Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau, said coffee had become a distinctive part of daily life in Shanghai, while the city also had an active network of charitable organizations and social groups. He said he hoped cafes could become places to promote, encourage, and participate in charitable efforts, and that coffee could become more than just a drink.

Source: Shanghai Observer