Drink for a Better World with Wokai

This Tuesday, April 12, Wokai will be organizing their monthly event – Drinks for a Better World (DFBW) at Punk (The Opposite House).

Welcoming Iris Li and Helen Gao, representatives from the Beijing office of Handicap International (HI), they will be speaking about their projects and activities in China with HI.

An organization founded in France in 1982 to provide help in refuge camps, HI now serves as an independent organization that helps those with disabilities.  Opening its office in China in 1998, they work with local governments and other organizations to aid disabled people (especially those in rural regions) to better integrate into society.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 12
  
• Time: 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Location: PUNK in B1 of The Opposite House
  
• Address: The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Road, 三里屯11号
• Tel: 6410-5222 www.barpunk.com

*DFBW is a bi-monthly speaker and networking event organized by Wokai to bring together like-minded people to discuss social issues in China.

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Drink for a Better World with Wokai

This Tuesday, February 15, Wokai will be organizing their first event in the Year of the Rabbit – Drinks for a Better World (DFBW) at Face Bar.

Welcoming Mr. Scott Snyder, China Program Development Manager at Operation Smile, he will be introducing their organization’s background, missions and programs and how to get involved.

Operation Smile is an international charity that has been operating for 30 years, providing free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the world. We mobilize a world of generous hearts to heal children’s smiles and transform lives across the globe.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, February 15
  
• Time: 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Location: Face Bar @ Gongti South Gate
  
• Address: 26 Dongcaoyuan, 工体南路东草园26号 (across from the South Entrance of Worker’s Stadium, behind the Cervantes Institute)
• www.facebars.com Map
• Tel: 6551-6788

*DFBW is a bi-monthly speaker and networking event organized by Wokai to bring together like-minded people to discuss social issues in China.

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Knitting Away Winter Blues: The Hutong Guild

This Wednesday, December 22, “unleash your creativity” at The Hutong Guild’s Knitting Workshop where you can network, get crafty and make a difference with your creations!

As someone with slightly neurotic OCD tendencies, the meticulous art of knitting has always appealed to me so you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I first discovered these knitting workshops by The Hutong Guild. Ester and her group of knitters are delightful and after one session with them, I was hooked.  Not only have I been taught a great hobby to help me unwind, it’s also productive and creative.

This program began not only as an excuse to get together with fellow knitters, it is also an initiative to congregate friends and make a difference. Beyond Knitting will be providing The Hutong Guild with free yarn and tools for their charity program Warming Up Orphans. Contribute a square or more to blankets donated to Bethel China.

Bethel China is a non-for-profit organization for blind and orphan kids in Beijing.

The Hutong Guild’s Knitting Squares

I am determined to get good enough to begin knitting scarves, socks, beanies and mittens, but in the meantime, I’m happy to make whatever small contribution I can to Warming Up Orphans.

If you donate your piece to The Hutong Fairs, the money will be donated to other worthwhile causes including:

• Wokai – A non-for-profit organization that enables Chinese people to lift themselves from poverty.
• Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center – CHP is a registered non-for-profit organization with a mission to support communities throughout China to protect their cultural heritage.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, December 22 & Tuesday, January 4
• Time: 6:00-9:00PM
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong  北京市东城区北新桥十字路口南马路东边北新桥邮局（簋街西头北新桥路口）
• Website: http://thehutong.com/blog/the-hutong-guild/
• Contact: Ester Gomez @ contact@beyondknitting.com or The Hutong @ morgan@thehutong.com

LumDimSum Snapshops of The Hutong Guild’s Knitting Workshop:

Drink for a Better World with Wokai

This Tuesday, December 7, Wokai will be organizing their monthly event – Drinks for a Better World (DFBW) @ Nearby the Tree.

This month’s Wokai event will be introducing Mr. Shawn Shieh, a visiting professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University.  Discussing NGO/Civil Society in China, he will focus on the recent developments in the NGO field in China especially in relation to the recent 12th Five Year Plan.

His most recent publication (State and Society Responses to Social Welfare Needs in China: Serving the people):

“Based on current research, this book engages existing debates over state-society relations offering a new thematic framework to evaluate this relationship. Drawing on the framework, each chapter explores a particular aspect of social service provision including orphan care, migrant labor protection and infectious disease control. An interdisciplinary line up of contributors explore this dynamic, and how it affects the state-society relationship and the quality of social services provided in contemporary China.”

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, December 7
  
• Time: 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Location: Nearby the Tree
  
• Address: 32A Sanlitun Bar Street Xi Jie, Chaoyang District, Beijing  (Behind 3.3) 三里屯酒吧街西街 32A
• Tel: 64131522/87

*DFBW is a bi-monthly speaker and networking event organized by Wokai to bring together like-minded people to discuss social issues in China.

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. www.wokai.org

The Hutong Guild: Warming Up Orphans

Get creative, get crafty and make a difference with your creations.

Beyond Knitting will be providing The Hutong Guild with free yarn and tools for their charity program Warming Up Orphans. Contribute a square or more to blankets donated to Bethel China.

Bethel China is a non-for-profit organization for blind and orphan kids in Beijing.

If you donate your piece to The Hutong Fairs, the money will be donated to other worthwhile causes including:

• Wokai – A non-for-profit organization that enables Chinese people to lift themselves from poverty.
• Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center – CHP is a registered non-for-profit organization with a mission to support communities throughout China to protect their cultural heritage.

Meeting Details:

• Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 6-9PM & Wednesday, Dec. 8th from 10AM-1PM
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong  北京市东城区北新桥十字路口南马路东边北新桥邮局（簋街西头北新桥路口）
• Website: http://thehutong.com/blog/the-hutong-guild/
• Contact: Ester Gomez @ contact@beyondknitting.com

Hutong Guild Mission:

• To provide a platform for crafters and artists to get together in a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable setting that embodies the old, authentic Beijing.
• To provide a platform for sharing cultures and crafts.
• To provide a platform for the creation of crafted items for charity and donation purposes.

The Hutong Guild is the place for all people with a shared interest of crafts and arts – knitting, crochet, quilting and any other crafts and arts to get together and share their creations with those in need.

Drink with Wokai for a Better World @ Face Bar

This Tuesday, October 12, Wokai will be organizing their monthly event – Drinks for a Better World (DFBW) @ Face Bar.

This month’s Wokai event will be introducing Mr. Wang Liwei the Owner and Editor of Charitarian (www.charitarian.org) and Clare Pearson (Editor of Charitarian).

The Charitarian is the only licensed English magazine in China that discusses development of civily society and social responsibility in China. The magazine profiles best practice in business ethics, government social responsibility, climate change, China charity and global philanthropy.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 12
  
• Time: 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Location: Face Bar @ Gongti South Gate
  
• Address: 26 Dongcaoyuan, 工体南路东草园26号
• Tel: 6551-6788

*DFBW is a bi-monthly speaker and networking event organized by Wokai to bring together like-minded people to discuss social issues in China.

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. www.wokai.org

Drink with Wokai for a Better World @ Scarlett

This Tuesday, August 3rd, Wokai will be organizing their monthly event – Drinks for a Better World (DFBW) @ Hotel G’s Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant.

This month’s Wokai event will be featuring Nathan Zhang, Founder of brandnü:

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, August 3rd
• Time: 7:3oPM-9:30PM
• Location: Hotel G’s Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant
• Address: No. A7 Gongtixilu, 朝阳区工体西路甲7
• Tel: 6552-2600

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. www.wokai.org

Wokai’s Afternoon @ All-Star

***Change of Location***

Due to the rain, Wokai has changed their meeting place to be at All-Star Bar & Grill at Solana (Map) north of Chaoyang Park West Gate, for an afternoon snack and chatting.

This Saturday, July 10th, come out to All-Star Sports Bar & Grill and enjoy an afternoon with the Wokai community. Expect snacks, chats, and friendly faces. Fun begins at 5:00PM.

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. www.wokai.org

Drink with Wokai for a Better World

This Tuesday, June 8th, I encourage one and all to come out and support Wokai’s next “Drinks for a Better World” event at The Apartment in Tongli Studios.

This month’s Wokai event will be spotlighting Crazy Bake:

Ms. Yvonne Gerig, co-founder of Crazy Bake will speak about her experience establishing Crazy Bake within the Beijing Chaoyang Mental Health Centre. Crazy Bake was founded in 2004 in north east Beijing and works to improve the living conditions of mentally ill patients and give them a meaningful way of providing for themselves. Patients make Western baked goods, such as cookies, pretzels and bread, which are sold at international schools and other organizations and events in Beijing.

Crazy Bake operates with donations as well as profits from the sale of its baked goods. For more information please visit: www.crazybake.org.

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. www.wokai.org

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, June 8

• Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

• Where: The Apartment, on the top floor of Tongli Studios, next to Kokomo

Wokai’s Drinks for a Better World

Join Wokai in their “Drinks for a Better World” event tonight (Tuesday, April 13) @ d.lounge.

Drink specials begin at 7:00 PM accompanied by heaven-sent mini cupcakes sponsored by Lollipop Bakery!

Wokai will provide a brief introduction around 7:45PM followed by a short presentation from guest speaker James Flanagan from the Beijing Rotaract Club.

I encourage all LumDimSum friends to come out tonight and enjoy good drinks, good cupcakes and good company all in the name of a good cause.

Click photo here for a link to Wokai's Website

Don’t Judge a Bar by its Cover: Stadium Dog & Fubar

Last night, Dan Goodman, Wokai Beijing Chapter President, hosted a casual get-together at Fubar for their Beijing chapter’s volunteers for good drink deals and holiday cheer.

This year, I encourage everyone to give a gift that keeps on giving and purchase a Wokai Gift Card.

I have a thing for secret doors and I love that Fubar is hidden behind Stadium Dog hot dog joint, down the stairs to the bathroom, where you will find a grey brick wall that slides open with the click of a button, leading you into a cozy, speakeasy bar serving find cocktails for great prices -1/2 off drinks from 6-9pm.

Hats off to Chad Lager, previous manager of Rickshaw and Tun Bar for serving up a great bar concept alongside quality hot dogs.

Review of Stadium Dogs: Gongti Dongmen 10-11, Gongti 工体东门10-11   Tel: 6546-8364 (65-HOTDOG)

Best Part:

• Choice of classic 100% beef American-style hot dog, Italian sausage, German Bratwurst, or Veggie Soy dogs for only RMB 20 each. Combo orders of 2 or 3 dogs, includes complimentary beer or drink
• Choice of white or wheat buns (which were a little hard)
• Add do-it-yourself toppings: cheese, sauerkraut, olives, onions, coleslaw, mustard, pickles, tomatoes, ketchup, etc.

Comments:

• Buns were a bit tough
• Tomatoes were icy cold
• They were out of a lot of things: no soy dogs, Italian sausage or German Bratwurst, only American dogs

Review of Fubar: Gongti Dongmen 10-11, Gongti  Behind a secret door inside of Stadium Dog. 工体东门10-11 Stadium Dog里面 Tel:  6546-8364

Best Part:

• The grey faux brick wall that slides open with the click of a button
• Cozy, welcoming interior with high ceilings and jazz music
• Pretty much half-off drinks happy hour from 6-9pm (Mixed drinks of Bombay or 42 Below at 30RMB is a real bargain)
• Easy access to great hot dogs

Comments:

• Unpleasant positioning of a big fan that hits you right after you walk in.
• Wokai’s group aside, not many other customers from 7-9pm