We've got news for you. You're probably spending a little bit too much time on yourself. You've got a nice life here. You get foot massages. You gorge yourself on Sunday brunch buffets. You get bottle service at nightclubs. It's time to give back and remind yourself that there are those out there who need some help. Fortunately, Shanghai is flush with opportunities to do so. Here is a list of places to start.
Education
Stepping Stones China, a not-for-profit charity based in Shanghai and Hong Kong, aims to improve the quality of education currently provided for disadvantaged children through free English classes. They offer volunteer positions in teaching, tutoring, and office work. Click here for more info.
Shanghai Sunrise raises scholarship money for promising Shanghai-area students who would otherwise not have access to a quality education. Volunteer roles include work in fundraising, event planning, English tutoring, and professional skills. Here's more info.
Children
Heart to Heart Shanghai, founded by expats in 2003, offers financial assistance and support for children needing heart surgery. Volunteers can help fundraise, donate goods, or take part in hospital play sessions. Get involved here.
Shanghai Young Bakers provides bakery training for disadvantaged youths in order to provide them with sustainable employment skills. Volunteers can help with translating, IT, article writing, fundraising, events, and design. Learn more here.
Health
Baobei provides surgery and rehabilitation for Chinese orphans with birth defects. They offer volunteer opportunities such as fundraising, childcare, medical work, and office administration. They're also always looking for people who can donate supplies. Click here for more info.
Rotary Club of Shanghai is Shanghai's division of this international organization, which oversees a heart surgery program called the Gift of Life. It aims to help underprivileged children with congenital heart diseases. They are always looking for volunteers to help promote the program, visit hospitals, and fundraise. Click here to learn more.
The Elderly
Hands On Shanghai has been engaged in programs that serve the elderly, people with special needs, children, migrants, and other disadvantaged people. They offer several volunteer programs suitable for busy professional types. They offer volunteer opportunities for individuals, students, or even corporate groups. Here's more info.
Animals
Second Chance Animal Aid. Because of its regular gatherings, SCAA is basically synonymous with animal adoption in Shanghai. There is a glut of abandoned animals in this city, and these guys always need help finding homes, either temporary or permanent, for them. Click here to learn more.
Shanghai Riding for the Disabled: Therapeutic horse riding. Yes, apparently it is a thing. Supposedly, the disabled respond well to it because of the "repetitive, rhythmic movement of the horse's stride" because it "simulates...a human's walk." These guys are in constant need of volunteers who can help manage their stables or help out with riding lessons. More info on their WeChat public account: RDA-SHANGHAI.
Shanghai Furry Friends Rescue is a volunteer-run group of animal lovers dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray cats and dogs in Shanghai. Because it's often difficult for mixed-breed animals to find permanent homes in China, the group regularly arranges overseas adoptions—sending a few rescued pets each month to the U.S., where partner organizations like HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix help them find loving families. The process involves close coordination among volunteers in Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. They're always in need of foster homes, drivers, and shelters in the U.S. willing to help their furry travelers along the way. Learn more on their official channels.
The Haven is an animal rescue organization operating mainly in Shanghai, with a shelter based in Anhui. Originally located entirely in Shanghai, the group moved its shelter to Anhui after demolition and rising costs made it difficult to continue. The Haven currently cares for several times the number of dogs the shelter was built for, and aims to rehome at least 100 dogs this year. You can support their mission or get involved by reaching out through Facebook, Instagram, or their WeChat account: The Haven.
Shanghai Animal Rescue (SAR) was founded in 2015 by Katherine Zhou. It has grown from a small shelter of 30 dogs into one of the city's largest international animal rescue organizations, now caring for more than 400 dogs and cats. Working closely with both local and international communities, SAR helps find loving homes for rescued animals in China and abroad—including the UK, Germany, France, Canada, and the U.S. The team provides not just food and shelter but also medical care, rehabilitation, and affection, giving once-neglected animals a second chance at life. Volunteers and donors are always welcome to support the cause through fostering, adoption, or fundraising. Learn more via their official WeChat, Facebook, or Instagram: Shanghai Animal Rescue.
The Homeless
Home Sweet Home. Every Saturday, this group hits the streets to help out the homeless in Shanghai. Volunteers can lend a hand with this or get involved in their other projects in English teaching, design, or raising awareness at coffee mornings and other events. Click here.
Renewal Center Shanghai. Founded in 2008, Renewal Center provides a wide range of services for people experiencing homelessness in Shanghai, helping them rebuild their lives. The organization offers emergency aid such as nutritious meals, hot showers, clean clothes, laundry, and medical assistance, while also supporting long-term recovery through life-skills workshops and job training. Participants can work in the center's laundry, maintenance, or kitchen, gaining valuable work experience before transitioning to full-time employment through Renewal's local partners. The center recently expanded its vocational training to Yunnan, where donations support agricultural programs focused on tea cultivation and production. Volunteers and donors are always welcome to join and help keep the center's doors open to those in need. Learn more on their website.
The Environment
Shanghai Roots and Shoots, founded by the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, currently operates in over 100 countries, with bases in Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai. The Shanghai branch focuses on promoting environmental awareness within schools. To see opportunities, click here.
Others
Community Center Shanghai. In addition to providing classes, tours, and social events for expats, The Community Center also helps run a few volunteer programs. Their Charity Link aims to pair potential volunteers with organizations in the city. Click here for the link.
Lifeline provides free emotional support to the expat community in Shanghai via telephone services. They need volunteers to help provide this support, help raise funds, attend outreach events, or give a hand with administrative duties. Learn more here.
