Since the 512 Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, PolyU and Sichuan University have joined forces to provide post-disaster reconstruction and support, and PolyU staff and students have regularly travelled to different areas of Sichuan to provide voluntary services.

More recently in mid August, two PolyU staff members, Dr Ting Wai-fong and Mr Yam Kong, Associate Head and Instructor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, were confronted by a massive mudslide while servicing in Mianzhu. They had to climb up a mountain in the dark and were eventually rescued by a helicopter sent by the mainland authorities, after standing in the wind and rain for 12 hours. The PolyU volunteers said they were moved by the care shown by the villagers during the hard times, and would continue to serve and help them to rebuild their home though it might be dangerous and risky.