Frugal Chinese couple leaves $735,000 to save 455 sick children
They split $2.5 meals and lived in a shabby home to donate millions.
A late childless couple in China donated five million yuan (US$735,000) to help 455 children with congenital heart disease, despite living an extremely frugal life themselves. The couple's story was revealed at a charity exhibition in Shanghai. Du Yingrong passed away in 2018 at age 81, while his wife, Lu Suying, died last year at 92. Du was a retired teacher and Lu a retired doctor from the same Shanghai college. They had no children.
In early 2018, Du saw a poster at Shanghai Yoda Cardiothoracic Hospital calling for help for children with congenital heart disease. They instantly donated half a million yuan to support 10 children, then later donated another 4.5 million yuan. A hospital charity worker who visited their home found it 'old and shabby' and urged them to keep some money. Du replied, 'Neither of us has much time left. We receive pensions and still have some savings. We don't need much money.' Their quiet generosity saved 455 lives.
- Du Yingrong and Lu Suying donated 5 million yuan ($735,000) despite extreme frugality.
- They supported 455 children with congenital heart disease in two installments.
- Du was a retired teacher, Lu a retired doctor; they lived in an old, shabby home and split $2.5 meals.
Why It Matters
Proves that selfless generosity can transform countless lives, inspiring others to give.