Donation plan of mainland's philanthropist gets mixed response in Taiwan
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The Chinese mainland' s most famous philanthropist, Chen Guangbiao, made headlines Tuesday in Taiwan, though his donation plan on the island was not welcomed by all Taiwanese in need.
Chen, 43, CEO of a resources recycling company in eastern Jiangsu Province, received the approval of Taiwan authorities Tuesday to visit the island on Wednesday, accompanied by more than 50 mainland businessmen, according to Taiwan media.
He was in the limelight last September when he responded to billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, who hosted a banquet in Beijing to promote charitable giving. Chen said in an online open letter that he would "donate all my wealth to charity when I leave this world" and "it is a shame to die hoarding one' s wealth."
Chen' s week-long Taiwan tour includes cash donations of 500 million New Taiwan dollars (17.2 million U.S. dollars) to disadvantaged families in New Taipei City and Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Nantou, among other counties, as well as business talks with local companies and a visit to the flora expo and other landmarks.
The 300 disadvantaged households in Hsinchu County would receive 10,000 New Taiwan dollars each. An official was quoted by the United Daily News as saying, "Some people to receive the donation burst into tears, as the money could help them have a joyful Spring Festival."
But Chen reportedly requested that money should be handed out to recipients by himself, instead of delivering them to county governments, which drew different reactions from local officials, some of whom said it was inappropriate and undignified for recipients.
Officials opposing Chen' s donations said they preferred a low-profile and simple manner of donating, which respects the feelings of the recipients. But a man surnamed Zhu in Taoyuan said he would accept the money, as long as he does not appear on TV news.
Donations between the mainland and Taiwan are made frequently, especially during natural disasters on both sides. However, a local lawmaker said Chen' s donations on the island should be mindful of local customs and make recipients feel respected.
