For many of us at Parker, leading with purpose means identifying opportunities for making life better in the communities where we live and work. It acknowledges our strengths and aligns with our values, which also makes our work deeply personal, as a group of Parker China team members have experienced firsthand.

Poverty continues to be an ongoing struggle in many parts of rural China. So when a massive earthquake destroyed a primary school in the remote mountain village of Tianshui, Gansu in 2008, families in the neighboring communities had little hope of recovery.

The China Youth Development Foundation quickly formed a plan to rebuild damaged schools in the area and put out a call for help. The answer came from more than 2,000 kilometers and a day’s journey away. Working together, Parker China in Shanghai and The China Youth Development Foundation established The Parker Hannifin Hope School in 2009.

"We believe that education is the root of eliminating poverty in China," explains Joan Cai, Admin Officer for Parker China. "So when we learned of the opportunity to help rebuild this vital resource, we felt it was our responsibility to help."

Located in Tianshui, Gansu along the Qingshui River in Western China, The Hope School provides kindergarten and primary education to students from neighboring villages. In the decade since Parker China began partnering with the Hope School, more than a dozen graduates have enrolled at high-performing universities across the country, including Hunan University and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

And the partnership remains vibrant. Each year, team members from Parker China undertake the long journey to the Hope School to deliver gifts, build relationships and to help address the needs of the surrounding community. Other team members routinely donate gift packages to the school and one even went as far as helping a Hope School Teacher put his daughter through University.

"Everywhere you turn, there are stories like these, "adds Cai. "Our Parker team members find meaning and fulfillment in helping rural children learn, grow and thrive." Indeed, The Parker Hannifin Hope School is a shining example of what can happen when Hope meets Purpose.