"The Doer" Is Also "the Long Runner" || The "Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project" Public Welfare Activity Kicks Off in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

On the glacier-covered Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, also known as the "Third Pole",

At the foot of the vast and high Mengdagangri Snow Mountain,

There are large amounts of water vapor from the Bay of Bengal and the Pacific Ocean intercepted by the towering and majestic Himalayas.

As the rainy season approached, the mountains were enveloped in swirling mists for a short period and the condensed water vapor eventually dripped down onto the cheeks of Deqing Yangji, a 7-year-old girl from Tuiwa Village.

At noon, the relentless sun broke through the clouds, casting a scorching and stinging heat on Yangji's tender skin. Seeing this, Yangji's mother Renci quickly took off her sun hat and put it on her daughter's head. The mother then bent down to comfort Yangji, while asking her to patiently wait for the start of the free clinic activity.

This scene took place during the public welfare activity sponsored by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project, by which the free clinic team walked to Tuiwa Village, known as the "world's highest village".

Picture: Residents of Tuiwa Village line up to participate in the free clinic funded by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project

01 Public Good and Light Reach the World's Highest Village at an Altitude of 5,070 Meters

Tuiwa Village, with an altitude of 5,070 meters, is known as the world's highest administrative village.

Although local residents say that "Tuiwa" in Tibetan means "connection" or "linking", the village is almost isolated from the outside world. Traversing the mountains is the only way to reach the village. By creating a fortress-like enclosure around Tuiwa Village, the winding and layered mountains, along with the expansive and fertile foothills amplify the village's sense of isolation. However, this geographical barrier cannot conceal the locals' warm hospitality and their longing for the outside world.

To safeguard the skin health of 151 residents in Tuiwa Village and raise their awareness of scientific skincare, this year, the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project was implemented in Shigatse and Shannan cities on the snow-covered plateau. Loaded with sun protection supplies and accompanied by dermatologists from the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, the vehicle fleet wound its way up the mountains to bring the public good and light to the world's highest administrative village—Tuiwa Village. Upon hearing the news, residents lined up eagerly, awaiting the start of the free skin clinic.

"Mom, my face still itches," said little Yangji.

The seven-year-old girl, who stood at the end of the queue with her mother Renci, scratched her face incessantly. Among the residents waiting for the free clinic, little Yangji was noticeable: Beneath the sun hat was a pair of big eyes as clear as Pumoyongcuo Lake. Despite the stark contrast with her reddened cheeks and dark-toned face, her eyes evoked sympathy from onlookers.

Picture: Deqing Yangji from Tuiwa Village participates in the free clinic

It is well known that children's skin is delicate and their skin barrier requires urgent protection. "Since being sunburned last year, Yangji's face often feels itchy, especially on hot days like today," said Renci, who gradually started talking in front of the camera. "I've tried applying Yak butter and baby cream priced at RMB 5 to her face, but they do not work," she added

"Her face has a bit of sunburn and dermatitis," Renci repeated the words the doctor said to Yangji during the consultation. She also inquired about the products' efficacy and usage sequence from Winona's staff who were distributing sunblock gift bags at the scene.

During the conversation, Renci would occasionally use her dark-toned hands to gently touch Yangji's face, with her eyes expressing indescribable emotions. The well-behaved Yangji was not as lively and outgoing as other children her age. Instead, she stayed behind her mother, quietly observing the "outlanders" who had traveled from afar.

Picture: A resident of Tuiwa Village smiles in front of the camera with a sign of Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project

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In the eyes of Renci, the well-behaved Yangji has been obedient and sensible since childhood. Due to the high altitude and short summer in Tuiwa Village, the grasslands cannot provide sufficient winter forage for sheep. Every year, as the harsh winter approaches, the herdsmen in Tuiwa Village drive their sheep to the mid-lake island with lush grass on Pumoyongcuo Lake. These sheep rely on the grass there to survive the coldest winter. When the severe winter arrives, Yangji and her brother, Awang Danzeng, brave the scorching sun and follow their parents to spread stove ashes on the ice surface of Pumoyongcuo Lake for sheep. This is to make it easier for the sheep of herdsmen to migrate to the mid-lake island for winter via this channel.

Due to its high altitude, Tuiwa Village is subjected to intense ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, many people face skin conditions similar to Yangji. The mountains not only cause difficulties in material transportation, but also prevent locals from adopting modern lifestyle habits and developing sun protection awareness.

"Here, due to the intense sunlight, everyone's face is tanned. However, the faces of the girls we see on TV are still fair," said Renci while pointing to her somewhat broken phone screen protector. The screen saver showed a not-so-famous Tibetan actress and her difference from others was that her skin was more delicate and fair. While looking at her phone screen, Renci was unable to conceal her longing and admiration for "beauty".

Due to relatively scarce medical resources, lack of sun protection measures, and weak skincare awareness, coupled with long-term exposure to wind and sun, the locals' skin is more or less affected by UV rays. Their skin barrier is generally damaged, resulting in dry and rough skin. Some may even suffer from light damage without being aware of it.

Picture: Residents of Tuiwa Village participate in the free clinic funded by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project

"If I hadn't participated in the free clinic funded by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project, I would not have known my real skin condition or the importance of sun protection to children," said Renci. After receiving diagnosis and treatment from Dr. Wangmu, a dermatologist at the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, Renci regained her confidence and expectation for a promising life. With sunblock applied, little Yangji's radiant smile shone through her clear eyes and lit up her face, becoming the most moving view of the place with an altitude of above 5,070 meters.

02 The free clinic for rare skin diseases brings hope to the "one unlucky patient in every 100,000"

"The incidence of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)

is 1 in 100,000."

"Patients with this disease may spend the rest of their lives in a cycle of itching, flare-ups, healing, and relapse."

There is a very special patient at the People's Hospital of Shigatse City. Cangjue Wangmu, a 7-year-old girl from Chentanggou in Dingjie County near the China-India border, was unfortunately diagnosed with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) this year.

GPP is a rare but serious skin disease. In China, approximately one to two people in every 100,000 suffer from this disease. This means that in a medium-sized city with a population of one million, there are about 10 to 20 patients with GPP. Cangjue Wangmu ① from the remote border town is the unlucky one out of 100,000.

Picture: Cangjue Wangmu, accompanied by her father Luobu, participates in the free clinic funded by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project

"Although the incidence of GPP is low, it causes a severe condition and poses a significant threat to the health and lives of patients. Especially its various complications may lead to serious psychological burdens," said Dr. Li Dan, Director of Dermatology at the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, in a discussion with the reporter about the damage caused by this rare disease.

According to the GPP Patient Education Manual, the symptoms of this disease mainly manifest as recurrent, systemic erythema and aseptic pustules on the skin. It may be accompanied by severe infections and renal, cardiac, and other multi-organ complications, and in severe cases, it may lead to organ failure and even be life-threatening.

In the courtyard of the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, citizens who were attracted to engage in the free clinic funded by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project were lining up. Cangjue Wangmu, held in the arms of her father Luobu, seemed to have just woken up. She stumbled a few steps when being placed on the ground. The young girl seemed unaware of this rare disease's impact on her future life. When facing strangers, she just shyly lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers as if it was the only way to relax.

"I am a farmer," said her father Luobu.

In the face of the interview, the inarticulate father only uttered a few words, "I don't know how my child got this illness." Though his statement was brief, the burden shown in his words was as heavy as Mount Tai.

The relapsing disease condition and high treatment costs represent a "two-pronged attack" on an ordinary family. "The acute phase lasts for about three or four days, with daily expenses of around RMB 2,000 to 3,000. For an ordinary family in the Tibetan area, such expenses are still quite high," said a doctor who knew the details of Cangjue Wangmu's condition at the site of the free clinic funded by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project.

At first, Luobu did not pay attention to Cangjue Wangmu's symptoms, thinking it was just a skin inflammation caused by a sunburn. Later, red rashes appeared on her arms, neck, and groin folds, and then even erupted on the skin of her entire body on a large scale. They became densely distributed purulent herpes, accompanied by high fevers. It was only at this time that Luobu realized the severity of her condition. He took Cangjue Wangmu to see local doctors in their town and doctors specializing in Tibetan medicine, but the results were unsatisfactory.

The triggering factors of GPP are related to ultraviolet radiation, dry climate conditions, and defects in an individual's immune system to a certain degree, according to a dermatologist at the People's Hospital of Shigatse City. Currently, Cangjue Wangmu has been hospitalized for more than 20 days and has gotten through the acute phase of the disease. However, this rare disease cannot be cured, so the risk of future relapse remains.

Picture: On-site free consultation by Dr. Li Dan, Director of Dermatology at the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of the People's Hospital of Shigatse City

"If the Acitretin Capsules are used for treatment, the skin of patients' entire body will become dry. Thus, moisturizing their skin is a very important method that can relieve their pain and symptoms to some extent," Dr. Li Dan, Director of Dermatology at the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, explained. To this end, the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project decisively provided Cangjue Wangmu with a one-year supply of Winona Moisturizing & Softening Cream to protect her skin's health.

At the site, a dermatologist participating in the free clinic funded by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project provided professional diagnosis and treatment for Cangjue Wangmu. While presenting a gift bag containing sunblock and skincare products to the girl with public welfare ambassador Wang Bowen, the dermatologist also attentively applied the products to Cangjue Wangmu's skin and patiently explained their usage. The team's behavior of love and warmth not only showed care and consideration for Cangjue Wangmu, but also brought hope and light to the inarticulate father who stood by her side.

We should help the general public identify rare diseases and widely promote systematic and scientific skincare concepts among them.

"Priority should be given to scientific skincare awareness."

After the free clinic, Yan Jianwen, a doctor and expert engaging in the "Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project" public welfare activity, was deeply touched. Dr. Yan, Director of the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Center at the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, has the best knowledge of the skin conditions of locals in Tibet.

"Tibet is a high-altitude area that has strong UV rays, so the incidences of actinic dermatitis, light aging, and other dermatitis diseases here are very high," said Dr. Yan. In terms of sun protection for sensitive skin, the expert Yan further emphasized, "As healthcare professionals, we attach vital importance to proper skincare practices and moisturizing skin is the most basic one. In addition, comprehensive sun protection is also pivotal. We recommend that the public take diligent physical sun protection measures when going out during summer, such as wearing sun hats and sunscreen coats. Meanwhile, we also advise applying high-SPF, full-spectrum sunblocks to their skins."

Subsequently, a special invitation, supported by the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project, was sent to Dr. Suolang Quzong, Head of the Dermatology Department at the People's Hospital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. As an expert participating in this free clinic, he provided excellent training for the Dermatology Department at the People's Hospital of Shigatse City based on the skin conditions of locals in Shigatse. He also held a captivating research workshop on chronic actinic dermatitis, where he discussed several topics including the causes and clinical symptoms of this disease. He also expanded from theory to clinical practices by introducing his years of medical treatment experience and sharing research outcomes.。

03 By walking with light, Winona has implemented "On-site Public Welfare" activities for eight years

How to start the cause of public welfare in the era of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity)?

Undeniably, in a social and market environment where short-term valuations often outweigh long-term values, the journey of business for good is indeed a prolonged endeavor.

Regarding the essence of public welfare itself, what original aspiration should we leverage to embark on this journey? What paths should we follow to achieve our goals? What methods should we adopt to renew our project?

The Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project gives an affirmative answer:" We'll make unremitting efforts to take on-site public welfare actions."

From Hohhot to Xining, from Dali to Haikou, and from Lhasa to Zhaotong, our team has navigated through vast snow-capped mountains and arrived in Shigatse via Gesang Village. The year 2023 marked the 8th year of the start of the "Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project" public welfare activity and Shigatse was an important station in this year's plan.

Winona has been persisting in building up its public welfare strength. To enhance children's understanding of their skin health and strengthen their scientific skincare awareness, the team of the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project, in collaboration with public welfare ambassador Wang Bowen and experts and doctors from the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, provided a professional free clinic for all teachers and students of the Second Children's Welfare Institute of Shigatse City.

Simultaneously, to provide comprehensive care for all teachers and students, the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project offered public welfare supplies worth RMB 120,000, including Winona and Winona Baby skincare products, as well as various school and daily supplies. These provisions, akin to warm sunshine and broad shoulders, offer these children multifaceted protection and companionship.

Picture: The Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project Brings Sun Protection and Daily Supplies to Teachers and Students of the Second Children's Welfare Institute of Shigatse City.

"Actually, what these children lack the most is companionship," Lian Deliang, President of the Second Children's Welfare Institute of Shigatse City, expressed his inner thoughts in the interview. "These children's lives are confined between the school and the welfare institute. Although some children with excellent academic performance may be able to pass the college entrance exam to study at prestigious universities outside, their adaptability is poor. They need more companionship so that they will have the courage and capability to open their hearts and accept more things," he added.

On the nearly 1,000-square-meter playground of the welfare institute, children played and enthusiastically danced with public welfare ambassador Wang Bowen with their hands held together. In this process, they gradually opened their hearts and tried to express their inner emotions. Despite the altitude of 3,800 meters, they felt their hearts were increasingly close to the sun after receiving love from the kind people.

In the past eight years, Winona has drawn up a public welfare roadmap that balances business acumen and social responsibilities for the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project. It has persisted in personally engaging in public welfare activities onsite and continued to provide its love and care, to make such activities more meaningful and touching.

In the Second Children's Welfare Institute of Shigatse City, students attended a public welfare promotion and education lecture to earnestly learn scientific skincare knowledge. The classroom, covering dozens of square meters, shone brightly under the sun. At the People's Hospital of Shigatse City, the helpless father regained his confidence in life when facing the systemic skin condition of his daughter. Those who were powerless found strength out of love. In the world's highest village at an altitude of 5,070 meters, the public welfare actions widely spread love and the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project was implemented on the snow-covered plateau.

Making unremitting efforts to take on-site public welfare actions embodies Winona's commitment to achieving its brand purpose. In Shigatse, Winona donated a total of RMB 1.81 million of supplies through the Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project. This public welfare activity is also closely related to Botanee, Winona's parent company, for its vision of "bringing health and beauty to everyone" and its mission of "creating China's skin health ecosystem".

Winona firmly believes that those with great love will achieve great things, and those who achieve great things harbor lofty aspirations. Therefore, in the field of public welfare, we will not be confined to purely charitable thinking; instead, we hope to establish a sustainable enterprise development mechanism. We will integrate high-quality products with benevolent humanitarian care to shape our brand value and leverage public welfare to increase brand warmth. With caring and effective public welfare activities, we will help more people solve actual problems, bringing them health and beauty and safeguarding the most beautiful smile.

Spreading charity on the plateau and traveling for love. In the future, with the power of positivity and goodness, Winona will make unremitting efforts to engage in public welfare. While doing practical things, addressing real issues, and providing warmth to people with sensitive skin, we will continue to leverage public welfare to promote positive social energy, thereby laying a sound foundation for our brand. We will continuously explore a new business civilization with "good intentions" and "kindness" and strive to expand the availability of the "Winona Bright Smiles Commonweal Project" public welfare activities to those in urgent need.

Reference:

① Survey on the Prevalence and Burden of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) in China: An Estimate Based on National Urban Medical Insurance Data from 2012 to 2016, the 27th Annual Meeting of Chinese Society of Dermatology of Chinese Medical Association, June 2021