Pic story: a barber's passion for public service carried forward by volunteers

Wu Yuanmiao (C) watches volunteers cutting hair for free at a nursing home for the aged in Linhai City, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 27, 2019. Wu Yuanmiao, when working as a barber, set a rule for himself to provide free service one day a week to the old, the disabled, and soldiers. Having served more than 60,000 customers for 17 years, he is the winner of various awards including May 1 Labor Medal. However, diagnosed with brain disease, Wu's condition has been worse off since 2008. In 2014, he experienced a hard time in running his barber shop and providing public service, thus Wu chose to disappear alleging he would pursue a career in Beijing. As a matter of fact, Wu didn't leave Lucheng community in Linhai where he lived. He was taken care of by his customers Zhang Hailin and Zhu Dandan, a pair of young couple. Zhu quitted her job to look after Wu, and Zhang, an auxiliary police officer, makes every effort to help him. Wu's experience raised attention from all walks of life in 2016. Local authorities held a charity activity for him, and Wu got assistance in donation and medical treatment. The government has arranged doctors to offer medical service for Wu at Wu's home. Meanwhile, some 20 volunteers carried forward Wu's spirit, offering free haircut service for those in need twice a month. "I hope they pass on the compassion," said Wu on a wheelchair. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)