It seems my interest in Asian culture has always been there, deep inside – a true part of myself. I spent three years after graduation in Taiwan, working, learning the language and living with a Chinese family. After my return to France, it took some 25 years – during which I worked a lot and raised a large family – for my interest to fully mature. With my children now adults, I saw it as my duty to devote time and energy helping under-privileged people, and my heart's inclination turned me back again toward China.

In 1997, several GE Medical Systems employees, concerned citizens and I started the Norman Bethune Committee, an organization to improve conditions for orphans in the People's Republic of China. Recently, we collaborated with the GE Elfun Chapter in Beijing and provided funding to renovate a small  Welfare House (orphanage). The Elfun team in China volunteered to do much of the work. Now, my main aim is to create new facilities in rural communities. These programs are very long-term, but with the help of my GE colleagues both in France and China, I think success can be achieved.

Catherine Ayreau is among hundreds of GE people who have received the Company's Gerald R. Phillippe Award for Community Service. See www.ge.com/community for more information about these awards.