KFC names restaurant after China's altruism paragon Lei Feng

CHANGSHA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- International fast food chain KFC on Sunday launched its first "Lei Feng spirit" themed restaurant in China to pay tribute to the soldier, lauded by the late Chairman Mao Zedong for his altruism.

Lei's cartoon figures and wallpaper printed with his diary excerpts adorned the outlet in the Wangcheng district of Changsha, capital city of central China's Hunan Province, known as Lei's hometown.

The outlet's opening ahead of the "Lei Feng Day" on March 5 has attracted many residents, who were seen taking photos of the novel decor or attending the storytelling activities held there in remembrance of Lei.

"Lei Feng has been the role model for generations of Chinese. As the KFC (outlet) in his hometown, we will spare no effort to promote his spirit," said He Min, general manager for KFC's Hunan area.

He said apart from opening the themed restaurant, KFC also plans to promote the Lei Feng spirit in its over 250 outlets in the province and encourage its staff to learn from the role model.

March 5 has been designated as "Lei Feng Day" after Chairman Mao called upon the nation to learn from Lei in 1963, one year after the soldier died at the age of 22 in an accident while on duty.

Most Chinese are familiar with Lei's life story from his childhood ordeal to his selfless help for the needy. On March 5, students mainly from elementary schools are mobilized to do voluntary activities such as street cleaning and helping the elderly.