Jilin barber trims disease fears with donated goods

After most Chinese people canceled their traditional celebrations and stayed home to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Liu Jianjun seems much busier than usual.

Between Jan 28 and Feb 1, Liu, who runs a barber shop in Changchun, Jilin province, has distributed more than 3,000 face masks and dozens of bottles of disinfectant in urban areas of the city.

"Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, the government has urged people to stay home, so I stopped my business immediately and seldom went out," he said. "However, when I got more information about the serious conditions via TV news and internet, I thought I had to do something."

In fact, Liu has been doing volunteer work for more than 25 years and now is head of a volunteer team of more than 2,000 members.

On Jan 26, Liu called on his team to make donations to local citizens who have suffered from a shortage of protective equipment and disinfectant products.

"My team gave me great support," he said. "Only several hours later, they donated 500 face masks and 13 bottles of disinfectant, all of which were from their private supplies."

"As ordinary people, we can't go to the front line, but we hope to make some contributions to society," he told China Daily.

To help the donors avoid going out, Liu spent a day visiting their homes around the city to collect all the donations himself.

At the same time, he tried every possible way to purchase materials.

"I asked all my relatives and friends to help me," he said. "Fortunately, several drug companies gave me some support when they learned about my purpose."

In the few days between Jan 26 and Feb 1, Liu had spent about 5,000 yuan ($712) purchasing more than 2,000 face masks, 200 thermometers, 1,200 pairs of disposable gloves and 33 bottles of disinfectant.

Despite the cold weather, once he got some face masks, he would go to a bus stop and distribute one or two to those who were not wearing any.

"People in such public areas need to pay more attention," he said. "Protecting ourselves well is the best protection for the whole society."

"I also reserved some of the face masks, disinfectant and disposable gloves for sanitation workers, deliverymen and food delivery drivers," he said. "Those who have to work outside need more protection."

Liu has been helping others since his barber shop opened in 1994.

"I lost my mother at the age of 6, and my father left home soon after," he said. "I was raised by my grandmother and received lots of care from my neighbors."

Therefore, he decided to repay society when he began making a better living with his business.

Over the years, Liu and his fellow volunteers have provided free haircuts for more than 50,000 seniors, and he often visits those who are unable to walk to his shop for service.

They also provide voluntary services for seniors living alone, and during important festivals they send daily supplies.

In June 2018, he launched a charity program with a local media company that helps children with cancer who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.

Liu provides free haircuts for those who are willing to donate their long hair. He also accepts hair donated by other means.

"All the hair is made into wigs by a company in Shanghai free of charge," he said. "More than 100 children in the city have received free wigs that can help them regain their self-esteem and self-confidence during cancer treatment."

Liu has won several honors, including the title of China's Good Samaritan in 2006.

"I have received more donations from the volunteers, and I am still trying my best to purchase more," he said. "The distribution will continue as soon as I get the prevention materials, and I believe our country will overcome the difficulties."