Cathay Life Opens Office Coffee Shop for Charity

In modern offices, a simple cup of coffee often becomes more than just a caffeine break—it’s where employees recharge, connect, and find a moment of calm. But in one Chinese workplace, that coffee break now also helps fund rural education.

On May 12, Cathay Life Insurance Zhejiang Branch unveiled its on-site 'Cathay Cafe,' entirely funded by the company as an employee benefit—but with a twist: staff are encouraged to contribute voluntarily, and those donations go directly to a rural primary school as teaching funds.

What Is the Cathay Cafe?

The Cathay Cafe is a company-transformed space within Cathay Life’s existing Zhejiang offices, designed with an in-house brand identity. It serves as both a staff lounge and a hub for corporate giving, reflecting the firm’s long-held philosophy of 'sincere trusteeship and caring companionship.'

How Does the Charity Model Work?

The cafe’s operating costs are fully covered by Cathay Life, ensuring free access for employees. However, the company actively encourages team members to donate a self-determined amount. These contributions are pooled to regularly support Qiukeng Township Primary School in Chun’an County, creating a sustainable link between everyday coffee breaks and educational funding.

Community Engagement at Launch

The launch event featured special guests including teachers and students from Qiukeng Township Primary School. Cathay Life Zhejiang General Manager Huang Shifang and Qiukeng School Principal Qian Peng signed a 'Cathay Cafe Commitment Agreement,' formalizing the partnership. Renowned singer Ai Ge performed to promote the initiative, using her platform to inspire public participation in the charity effort.

Expanding Impact Beyond the Café

To further support the students’ development, Cathay Life organized a two-day enrichment program. This included a collaborative painting session with students from Hangzhou as part of the 2012 Cathay Life Children’s Painting Competition, hosted by the Hangzhou Young Pioneers Committee, Hangzhou Youth Activity Center, and Cathay Life Zhejiang. Selected students worked in pairs to co-create artworks, fostering cross-community connections.

Why This Matters to Cathay Life

The Cathay Cafe embodies the company’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and employee care. By integrating a coffee space with charitable action, Cathay Life pioneers the concept of an 'office café with a cause'—blending daily employee perks with structured community support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Cathay Cafe located?

The Cathay Cafe is located within the existing office premises of Cathay Life Insurance Zhejiang Branch. It is not a standalone retail location but an internal space repurposed for staff use and corporate philanthropy.

How is the Cathay Cafe funded?

The operational costs of the Cathay Cafe are fully covered by Cathay Life Insurance Zhejiang Branch. Employees are encouraged to make voluntary personal contributions, which are used to support the associated charity efforts.

Which school receives the donations from the Cathay Cafe?

Donations generated through the Cathay Cafe’s voluntary employee contributions are directed to Qiukeng Township Primary School in Chun’an County to support its teaching activities and educational development.

What events happened at the Cathay Cafe launch?

The launch included a signing ceremony between Cathay Life and Qiukeng School leaders, a performance by singer Ai Ge, and the announcement of a two-day enrichment programme involving collaborative student art projects and educational outings.

How are employee donations collected for the charity?

While the cafe is company-funded, Cathay Life encourages employees to contribute their own money voluntarily. These individual donations are then pooled to provide regular teaching funds for Qiukeng Township Primary School.

What was the children’s painting activity about?

As part of the broader launch activities, Cathay Life organised a painting collaboration between selected students from Qiukeng School and children from Hangzhou, who worked in pairs to create joint artwork during a two-day programme.