China ‘living Buddha’ honoured for US$9 million donation after saving every cent for charity

A 98-year-old man in eastern China has garnered widespread praise for his remarkable philanthropy, which includes donations totalling 60 million yuan (US$9 million), while leading an exceptionally frugal life himself.Wang Chunwen, a resident of Ninghai county in Zhejiang province, has been honoured with the China-charity-award" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="202329" data-entity-type="event">China Charity Award by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the highest accolade in the country to recognise significant contributions to charitable efforts.In early September, Wang’s son travelled to Beijing to attend the award ceremony and accept the award on behalf of his father, who has chosen to refrain from travelling due to his advanced age, as reported by the Ningbo Daily.Wang is the founder of Xinghua Industries, a manufacturer of plastic and steel products. Since 2001, he has donated 60 million yuan to the Ninghai Charity Foundation.Before that, he engaged in a myriad of charitable activities over several decades.Wang faced significant challenges in his early life, losing his father at the age of 13, which forced him to leave school and work as an apprentice.An old photo of Wang working in a factory. Having lost his father at age 13, he faced severe early-life hardships that forced him to drop out of school to become an apprentice. Photo: CCTVReflecting on those difficult times, Wang recalled witnessing the struggles of others who lacked basic necessities such as food and clothing. This experience instilled in him a commitment to help the less fortunate if he ever achieved wealth, as he believed “other people’s pain was also my pain.”He established Xinghua Industries in 1984, and a defining moment occurred when he accidentally fell into a well while visiting a client, only to be rescued by a passer-by just in time.“After this incident, my sole wish has been to engage in charity and do good,” Wang stated.In 1988, he donated 1.5 million yuan to construct a bridge and road in his hometown. Over the next decade, he supported the development of a power network in a village, built a sea wall, and opened a kindergarten in the county.Additionally, he funded an old age home that accommodates 900 senior citizens in the region.Wang has been honoured with the China-charity-award" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="202329" data-entity-type="event">China Charity Award by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the nation’s highest accolade recognising outstanding contributions to charity. Photo: CCTVDespite his wealth, Wang has never bought a car or a villa for himself, opting instead to live in a modest flat.“If I were to drive a car to deliver money to those in need, they would see me as superior. But if I ride a bike, they will see me as their equal,” Wang explained.Further Reading“I would rather use the money I could spend on a villa to help those in difficulty, and this choice brings me peace. Living in a villa would not provide me that same sense of relief,” he added.Wang’s frugal lifestyle includes wearing a coat for 36 years and sleeping on a wooden bed for 80 years.He typically wears cloth shoes made and repaired multiple times by his late wife, Chen Jijin, who died in 2021, and supported his charitable endeavours throughout their marriage.Wang has expressed that he does not intend to leave any savings to his son or daughter, believing that they should be self-reliant.“I donate while I am alive; I will continue to donate after I die,” he stated.Wang shares a peaceful moment snacking with his late wife, Chen Jijin, who supported his charitable endeavours throughout their marriage. Photo: CCTVAccording to his daughter, the nonagenarian visits his company monthly to review the accounts.“He is not concerned about how much money we make but wants to ensure we are donating promptly,” she shared.Wang’s inspiring story has sparked a wave of admiration across mainland social media.“He has engaged in good deeds for such a long time. He deserves our respect and salute!” remarked one internet user.Another added: “He has made tremendous contributions to children, the elderly, and those in need. The old man is a living Buddha!”