FOREIGNERS living in Shekou will celebrate China’s National Day with a party in bar street Oct.1.

　　But it will be something more than a party. It will be a “doubly happy activity,” as Antony Hatcher, chairman of the organizing committee put it.

　　The party is expected to raise about 100,000 yuan (US$12,000) for equipment for the orphanage in Shenzhen Social Welfare Center.

　　So far a total of 73,000 yuan has been raised from individuals and institutions, most of them based in Shekou.

　　It is the fourth year for the Shekou Sports and Social Club to host the annual event.

　　The club is known among Shekou expats as the Snake Pit.

　　It collected about 330,000 yuan for different charities in Shenzhen over the past three years. The annual National Day party is an opportunity for expats to celebrate with their Chinese friends the anniversary of the PRC.

　　“It is our way of saying thanks to China for giving us the honor to live and work in this great country,” said Andrew Grilli, one of the six members of the organizing committee.

　　“Every year we choose a charity and raise money to help the less fortunate. With a passion to make it a success, all the participants, from millionaires to Chinese and foreign housekeepers alike, donate time, resources, blood, sweat, and tears just to say thanks.”