Tamura Noriko, 47, a Japanese expat living in Wuxi, is also assisting with this year's event. She spends her time helping to run SCARS and was particularly keen on the idea of a weight loss challenge, feeling that it would be an appropriate way to fundraise at a time when many are still practicing social distancing.

"I think losing weight is one of the few things people can do together without actually getting together, and with many like-minded people doing it for a cause they care about, it provides them with extra motivation," she says.

While the weight loss challenge might sound like a bit of fun to many, it has a serious purpose behind it, and the organizers are keen to stress that it isn't just about raising awareness today-it's about changing attitudes for tomorrow.

"This is a way to make the community more aware-to educate people, to let them know we're here and can help, and to encourage people to properly care for their pets," says Bijloos.

James Skinner is a contributing editor at China Daily with an MA in International Relations. He has a particular interest in British and American politics, as well as global security issues.