The ayi whose family tragedy turned into a city-wide fundraising effort
Ayis don't usually make headlines in Shanghai, but recently people have been talking about one in particular. Rebekah Pothaar found out that her ayi's husband was in a serious motorcycle accident and needed RMB43,000 for the necessary surgery. Pothaar organized several fundraising events to help. The first took place in late November and made ripples across Shanghai, but when she teamed up with Peep This Entertainment, the cause made waves. Their GoldDiggers event incorporated the usual nightlife elements, but it was the Money Shots photo auction that got people talking. Pothaar, her bother and 14 of their friends posed covered only by Mao himself—in hundreds.

CW was there when Pothaar and fellow money shot models presented Ayi with the money they'd raised over the previous month (nearly three quarters of the amount required). While Shanghai's been talking about this ayi and her husband, she’s had no idea. After she received the money, we sat down and chatted with this quite shy, and momentarily overwhelmed, ayi.

CW: How long have you worked as an ayi?
Ayi: I started working as an ayi in Sep. 2006. Before this, I worked in a restaurant but when the restaurant closed, I took my sister's, who's also an ayi, suggestion and started to work for expats.
What’s the best and worst thing about what you do?
The best part is that I don't have to work too early or late. Also, my employers trust me; I have keys of all their houses. These people are kind to me. The biggest problem though is communicating. I don't see them much and we can't communicate except by using body language.
What was your first reaction when Rebekah first told you about the money she raised?
I was so surprised. I did not know what to say. I think I didn't say anything except, "I didn't think you would do this."
What do you think of the Money Shots?
I think they are very good. Very pretty.
Would you ever be in one?
I don't know. (Ayi cracks a smile for the first time).
If you could take all this money and not have to spend it on surgery, what would you and your husband do with it?
Support my two kids to study at school. My family always helps people. Even my little kids, when they came to Shanghai and saw the donation box in the supermarket, they pull the money out of my pocket to put in the box. We can’t donate much, but we always do that. Sometimes RMB5, sometimes RMB10.
What do you think is the first thing your husband will want to do when he's fully recovered?
I can't imagine. (Smile watch: number two). I know that I'll keep working for them [the people who helped raise money], until they don't need me anymore; until they return home.