Rabbits Keep Giving and Giving and Giving

GUAISHI, China—In 1984, when Heifer first came into China, they chose Dayi County as one of the first project sites, and Ren Xuping got breeding rabbits. "I received Heifer’s gift rabbits 25 years ago,” said Ren Xuping, now known as the Rabbit King, at a Passing on the Gift ceremony in Guaishi Village. At that time, I was dropped out of school because of poverty. By raising rabbits, I was able to support my life, get married and now help others like me 25 years ago.” In Dayi County, he is not the only one having such great changes after Heifer projects.

Xie Kaixia’s house collapsed in last year’s earthquake. The only hope left for her is several breeding rabbits that survived the disaster. The whole family moved to temporary tents. She kept the rabbits in pig barns, regardless of some neighbors advising her to sell the breeding rabbits to make some money and save time to rebuild the house. “I knew if I could keep them, they will bring hope to me,” she said of her rabbits. “I could pay the electricity charge from them. I could buy the construction material from them.”

Now, Xie Kaixia has been able to rebuild her house. She will continue to raise the rabbits and be confident for the future.