Volunteer Opportunities

The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Shanghai this October. The success of the event depends on 30,000 to 40,000 volunteers. There are 15 places in Shanghai where people 18 and older can sign up. Volunteers can also call 6426-5289 or check the web www.volunteer.sh.cn to enter. These volunteers will assist athletes, keep the site clean, maintain public order and work at reception. October marks the first time the Special Olympics will be held in a developing country. More than 10,000 special athletes will take part in this event.

Got No Seat? Get More Money

Have you ever shown up at the airport only to find out that the airline overbooked and you need to change your flight? Shenzhen Airlines is now offering compensation of at least •200 to those denied their seat. •200 might not make up for the inconvenience, but the move is monumental for China, as Shenzhen is the first airline in China to offer this service. But why do airlines overbook in the first place? Many passengers who reserve tickets do not pay in the end, meaning that those seats would go to waste. Most airlines cover themselves by selling a few more tickets on certain flights.

1.2 km Pedestrian Street to Be Built in Hongqiao

A new shopping pedestrian street under Loushanguan Lu (from Tianshan Lu to Xianxia Lu) will be built by the end of this year, according to a governmental organization in Changning district. The new underground street will circle Hong-qiao Cross Square, and become the center of a new shopping and business area. The street will be at least 6 meters wide and about 1.2 kilometers long. A waterproof roof will run the length of the street so that shoppers won't get caught in the rain.

Online Shopping is Illegal...

...If you're looking to buy Olympic mascot paraphernalia. According to the Beijing Olympic Organization, purchasing Olympic souvenirs online is against the law. A legal website may open to the public before June. In the meantime, customers should head to appointed licensed stores to get their Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini fix. (1/F, Shanghai Orient Shopping Center, 800 Nanjing Dong Lu)