A Secret Donor Has Been Giving Money To Fund Education And Support For Poorer Families In China

Unsplash

In the late autumn of 1999, the volunteers at the Ningbo Charity Federation in Eastern China were intrigued to receive an usual letter. Addressed to them, it bore the enigmatic sender’s name as “shun qi zi ran,” loosely translated to “let nature take its course.”

Little did they know that this letter marked the beginning of a quarter-century journey of anonymous philanthropy that continues to mystify and inspire.

Inside the letter was a substantial contribution of 50,000 Chinese RMB, equivalent to around $7,000 in remittances – a form of payment typically sent by individuals working abroad back to their families. The following year brought another letter, identical in message and accompanied by a generous remittance. This pattern persisted, year after year, with each letter bringing financial support.


Fast forward to three weeks ago, when yet another letter arrived, this time containing an astounding total of 1.08 million RMB, equivalent to $150,000. This latest donation, distributed across 100 remittance certificates, marked the fifteenth million sent to the charity – a cumulative sum surpassing $2 million. The remarkable aspect of this generosity lies not only in its magnitude but in the unwavering dedication to anonymity exhibited by the mysterious benefactor.

Gao Peng, secretary-general of the Ningbo Charity, was quoted as saying, “He sent us a letter. I remember he said in it, ‘I will not do bad things and will also not speak about the good things I did. Just let nature take its course’.”

“So we respected his wish and did not try to find him. We also followed his request of using his donations for education.”


Navigating the intricate landscape of mainland China’s banking regulations, which mandate identification for cash transfers exceeding $1,500,the donor strategically utilized remittances as a means to bypass these requirements, preserving their elusive identity. The origins of this selfless act trace back to a period when China’s economic landscape was markedly different, with a GDP one-third that of Japan and one-ninth that of the United States.

Over the course 25 years, the Ningbo Charity has utilized these anonymous contributions to make a significant impact. The funds have been instrumental in the construction of multiple schools of dedicated to the education of underprivileged children in the Province of Zhejiang, reflecting commitment to uplifting the economy and fostering positive change.

The story of this mysterious donor adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, known for its intricacies and uniqueness. Anonymous philanthropists are not uncommon in Chinese society, often becoming viral sensations online. The South China Morning Post highlighted a similar instance in central China’s Hebei Province, where a senior care home received substantial donations totaling approximately $875,000 from an “old friend.”

 

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

Popular on True Activist