960 kilometers could mark the geographical distance from Tsinglan School in Dongguan's Songshan Lake to Hongjiang Village in Guizhou—or it could represent the warmth of education as students, parents, and teachers from Tsinglan School in Songshan Lake Science Park rode for love, measuring the "radius of love" with their wheels.
At 9:00 AM on May 18, Songshan Lake Science Park buzzed with excitement as hundreds of bicycles set off for the grand "Tsinglan School Charity Ride - Bicycles and Books" event, organized by Tsinglan School. A total of 245 families and Tsinglan teachers signed up to participate, providing bicycles and books for Hongjiang Village in Libo County, Guizhou, a community currently facing population decline. The event aimed to raise awareness for children’s reading and growth through action. (Click to view the event origin: 清澜公益骑行邀你同行：960公里环湖接力骑行，以爱助力贵州儿童上学！)
This charity ride originated from the project "KPD - Knock on the Principal’s Door" by PE teacher Malachy, with strong support from Principal Wenping Li, FDI teacher Jayla Zhang, and the Tsinglan Parent Committee.
Despite forecasts of heavy rain, the day dawned sunny with a gentle breeze—a serendipitous clear sky that embodied the essence of charity: When hearts turn toward the sun, storms make way.
At 7:00 AM, over 20 parent volunteers and a dozen Tsinglan teachers arrived early at the starting point near the Songshan Lake Science Park visitor center to prepare for the ride.
Teams for registration, route guidance, and logistics sprang into action. Some volunteers set up the check-in board, others counted riding vests and school flags, while more transported supplies to designated spots or pitched shade tents at rest stations.
By 8:30 AM, registered riders and families began arriving. Volunteers guided participants through check-in, distributed gear, assisted those without bikes, and helped families take photos at the backdrop.
Before departure, Tsinglan PE teacher Malachy led a safety briefing. At 9:00 AM, Principal Wenping Li reminded everyone to "prioritize safety," and with a clear signal, the riders set off along the route, led by Principal Li and Malachy.
The spring sun glinted off fluorescent vests and colorful helmets as Tsinglan’s purple flags fluttered in the wind. Over a hundred bicycles became vessels of warmth, each rotation imbuing the ride with meaning.
Principal Li and the school leadership joined Tsinglan’s teachers, students, and parents in the charity ride.
The May breeze carried early summer heat, and sweat soon soaked helmets and backs—yet the relay continued.
During a break, Principal Li cheered on passing riders with a bright smile: "Today’s ride fills Tsinglan with love. I believe these 960 kilometers will help build a children’s library in rural Guizhou and bring bikes—symbols of freedom and hope—to village kids, supporting their growth. Thank you to all for making our community warmer and society brighter."
Under the sun, riders sped past lakeside scenery, cheered on by parent volunteers at interdivs waving flags and shouting directions. Some crouched to capture perfect shots, even using branches as phone stands—a testament to Tsinglan’s flowing love.
Many parents rode with children. A Grade 2 student cycled 21 km with his dad; a middle schooler covered 39 km. When asked why they joined, bilingual department student Maggie grinned: "Songshan Lake is beautiful, and this event is meaningful. I’m tired but want to ride more!"
（Some parents chose to run forward.）
Parent Committee member Mr. Guo volunteered while riding. After two laps (6 km), he juggled logistics and photography—carrying water buckets one-handed or snapping riders’ joyful moments.
"My child was thrilled to join—both to ride and volunteer. We chose to help first. Cycling is great exercise, and combining it with charity lets us sweat for a cause. This event is incredible," he said. His child rode 18 km, learning that charity can be everyday action.
Another parent, Ms. Zhou, handled government and park coordination to ensure safety. On event day, she hauled supplies, her face dusty with sweat, leaving only busily hurrying away—yet her quiet dedication spoke volumes.
Over 20 volunteers, many parent-child pairs in Tsinglan’s purple caps and flags, became the day’s most moving sight. As Principal Li often says, "Parents’ actions are children’s best role models."
From aiding Guizhou’s children to parent volunteers’ zeal, Principal Li’s "school-family unity" vision took tangible form-a bond of love reaching faraway Guizhou and deep into Tsinglan hearts.
By noon, riders returned for certificates. The backdrop became a photo wall, shimmering under fingertips as volunteers snapped memories of flushed, radiant faces.
Every sunlit moment was charity’s gift, turning each kilometer into palpable warmth.
245 participants
2,332.5 km cycled
29,218 yuan raised
Charity is no longer distant "them"
but reachable "us."
All funds will buy bikes for Hongjiang Village kids—vehicles to knowledge and dreams, filling childhoods with societal warmth.
The 3-hour charity ride has ended. The distance record was refreshed, surpassing the initial 960-km goal for the "relay ride". Afterward, participants highly praised the event for combining parent - child sports, home - school cooperation, and rural development support, calling it a meaningful act of kindness. Parents felt the ride boosted physical fitness, mental well - being, and conveyed love and positive energy through charitable practice, bringing a deep sense of achievement from helping others. Many families have already inquired about the next event, eager to ride for charity again.
On the road to education and personal development, pioneers at Tsinglan lead by example. As the saying goes, "A tree shakes another tree; a cloud moves another cloud; a soul awakens another soul." Tsinglan believes that small actions can change the world, embodying its simple yet powerful motto of "Try and all is Possible."
Tsinglan Mountain encourages everyone to try bravely, explore actively, and is delighted to see every community member striving for their passions. This "charity ride" originated from PE teacher Malachy's love for cycling and charity. It was our first attempt to support teachers' enthusiasm and growth through home - school cooperation. Despite needing to improve in event preparation and organization, we're willing to keep trying and give teachers full support.
To the Tsinglan Parent Committee for coordinating off-campus venues, event logistics, and volunteer teamwork.
To Principal Li’s team and all supporters: FDI’s colleague Jayla Zhang for assisting Malachy; art teacher Dorde and students Tiger/Martin for poster/logo designs; the PE and marketing teams... You made this event warmer and motivated students—thank you!
文字 Writing｜Amy Gong
编辑 Editing｜Amy Gong
审核 Auditing｜Malachy Sheeran, Jade Liu, Wenping Li
