Taipei, May 20 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that Taiwan citizens should volunteer their time in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Noting that the spirit of volunteerism has been the most precious part of Taiwan culture, Chen said he is hopeful that all local people can devote part of their time and energy to volunteer at this critical moment.
Earlier in the day, Chen volunteered his services at Loshan Sanatorium in Pali on the outskirts of Taipei to mark his third anniversary in office.
Wearing a surgical mask and gloves, Chen scrubbed desks and chairs, and swept and mowed the lawn at the sanatorium which provides shelter for physically- and mentally-challenged people.
Chen stressed the importance of keeping a clean environment at this time when Taiwan is combating the SARS outbreak. He said he hopes his volunteer work can inspire more local people to do the same to help contain the SARS outbreak.