Retired worker Zhang Zhilin, 85, volunteers as a knife sharpener at the Lei Feng Day street market on Sunday in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo by Sun Yunfei/For China Daily]

Accompanied by the clinking of tools and frequent expressions of gratitude, a volunteer fair themed on Lei Feng Day in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region was filled with activity. Appliance repair shops, barber shops and knife-sharpening stalls were bustling with business.

The fair is held annually in Liuzhou in early March to celebrate the life and spirit of the young soldier who devoted his spare time and money to helping the needy.

"My children are not around, so it's heartwarming to have volunteers to help sharpen knives or repair my household appliances every year," said Liu Jian, a 72-year-old resident, on Sunday.

The fair was launched in 1965 by Liuzhou Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co, a subsidiary of China Railway's Nanning Bureau, to encourage company staff to help others and pass on the spirit of Lei Feng.

"It has been held continuously for 59 years, with more than 30,000 volunteers serving more than 290,000 people," said Sun Yunfei, a staff member.

Over the past five decades, hairdressing, watch repair, knife sharpening and appliance repair have been the most popular services, Sun said.

Zhang Zhilin, an 85-year-old retired employee, is the oldest volunteer at the event. His skillful knife-sharpening has brought crowds to his stall. Long lines persisted all morning.

"I started participating in the event when I was young, advocating a rust-free screw," he said. "Although I am old now, I am proud and happy to continue serving the people."

Volunteer Song Baishun also has a deep affection for the activity. Over his 11 years as a participant he has become a locally known master of appliance repair, and now has many apprentices.

"I am passing on my skills to the younger generation," Song said. "They are already capable of handling repair services independently, and people are very satisfied with their skills. The inheritance of the Lei Feng Spirit relay race is a source of satisfaction for me," Song said.

In recent years, many young people have joined in the volunteer work. These post-1995 and post-2000 volunteers have brought their beloved service projects into the market to meet new demand.

Liu Meichen, a teacher from a kindergarten in Liuzhou, has participated for three years. This year, the nail art service she provided was well-received.

"Many older women have a desire to become more beautiful, so this year we wanted to let them experience a trendy nail art service. They were all very happy," Liu said.

Wei Xinxin, a locomotive company official, said that event saw more than 400 volunteers from 30 units provide more than 40 free services to the public.

"The service projects change every year to meet the changing needs of people," Wei said.

In addition to the annual event, volunteers also gather and provide services on monthly basis.

By Zhang Li