Wang Chunwen, a 98-year-old philanthropist from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, was honored at the "China Charity Award" ceremony in Beijing in early September. Over the past 25 years, his contributions through the Ninghai District Charity Association alone have totaled nearly 60 million CNY. In fact, the full extent of Wang's charitable giving over the past half-century cannot be fully tallied.

Despite his immense generosity, Wang maintains an austere lifestyle, to the point where those he helps often liken him to a "beggar".

98-year-old Wang Chunwen from Ningbo, Zhejiang, has donated 60 million CNY over the past 25 years. *Photo: Sina*

A modest home

Six months ago, Wang moved into a simple, single-story house adjacent to a kindergarten in Ninghai district. His new residence features a cement floor, a bamboo clothesline, and an incandescent light bulb. Against the wall stands a wooden bed he has used for 80 years.

In his living room hangs a worn-collar shirt purchased in 1990. His everyday clothes are also heavily patched. When asked about his old cloth shoes, Wang stated, "These are not merely shoes, but a testament to my wife's affection."

His wife, Chen Jijin, passed away in late 2021. Throughout their 72 years of marriage, she consistently assisted him in delivering funds to those in need. To this day, he wears shirts she personally sewed.

Wang chooses to ride a bicycle to remain connected with the poor, rather than buying an oto. He explained, "The money for a villa, I use to support the poor. Only by helping them do I find peace of mind."

Wang struggled to make a living in his youth. *Photo: Sina*

A life-changing fall

Wang's philanthropic spirit was shaped by a challenging childhood. Having lost his father young, working as an apprentice, and frequently enduring hunger and cold, he vowed never to pursue wealth at the expense of human kindness. In the 1940s, at just 19, he once pawned his only cotton jacket—a memento from his father—to give money to an elderly beggar in freezing weather. His mother's teachings, "If you have money, do good deeds; if you don't, be a good person," remained deeply etched in his mind.

The most significant turning point occurred one afternoon in the 1980s. While retreating from an aggressive dog, he fell into a deep well. Exhausted, he was rescued by a passerby.

"After escaping death, I decided not to live just for myself, but to do good deeds my entire life," he resolved.

Wang and his wife. *Photo: Sina*

In 1984, Wang founded a company dealing in plastics and steel, marking the beginning of his extensive philanthropic endeavors. He financed the construction of bridges after floods, brought electricity to villages, and built embankments, nursing homes, and schools.

In 2018, learning of a teacher in their 70s dedicated to students in mountainous regions, he donated 2,5 million CNY to construct 5 primary schools. Despite his substantial contributions, Wang consistently declined to attend inauguration ceremonies or receive honors.

Lai Anbin is among the many individuals Wang has supported. In 1992, when Lai's father was severely injured, Wang provided 2.000 CNY for medical assistance. Later, when Lai sought to study massage for the visually impaired, Wang covered the entire 30.000 CNY tuition fee. Today, Lai operates a free massage parlor for lonely elderly individuals, a gesture of gratitude.

His family fully supports his decision to dedicate his wealth to society rather than leaving it to his children. Even at 98, he continues to visit his company monthly to review accounts, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of charitable funds.

"While alive, I do charity; after I close my eyes, my assets will continue to be donated," he stated.

*Bao Nhien (According to Sina/QQ)*