(FAN MINDA)

A citizen donates blood in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, on March 5, 2013 in an effort to follow the example of renowned altruist and national hero Lei Feng.

Lei Feng was a young Chinese soldier known for devoting almost all of his spare time and money to selflessly helping the needy. Lei died after being hit by a falling pole while helping a fellow soldier direct a truck on August 15, 1962.

A year later, late Chinese leader Chairman Mao Zedong called on the nation to follow Lei's example, and March 5 of every year is designated Lei Feng Day.