
Widowed philanthropist gives millions to support 588 families
Single mothers were recently honored at an event held by a lifelong philanthropist. The Chair of the Winter Plum Foundation, Chen-yang Li-jung, raised her children alone. When her finances improved, she dedicated herself to helping other women in similar circumstances. Over 52 years, she has given substantial financial support to almost 600 families. Now 88, Chen-yang is as passionate as ever about encouraging and celebrating mothers who are going it alone.
At this ceremony for single mothers, Winter Plum Foundation Chair Chen-yang Li-jung presented 20 prize-winners from Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan with a bouquet of flowers and a red packet worth NT$35,000, and offered each one a warm embrace.
Single mother
This is a significant amount of money. For a family, it’s worth a single mother’s whole monthly salary.
Chen-yang Li-jung
Winter Plum Foundation chair
All of these mothers are very strong. It’s wonderful to work honestly to earn a living and support the family.
Each of these 20 mothers has a moving story to tell. Chen-yang can relate, having lost her husband much too early. She was left to bring up their two children with difficulty. She vowed that if she became able, she would do whatever she could to help others in a similar situation.
Wu Yi-ching
Taiwan Fund for Children and Families
Once she had saved up NT$1 million, she would start to help others in the same predicament. She reached NT$1 million in savings in 1971, and in 1972 she started this work.
Chen-yang may be extremely generous as a philanthropist, but she lives a very frugal life, abstaining from air conditioning, and calling a NT$10 drink a luxury.
Wu Yi-ching
Taiwan Fund for Children and Families
I went to her home, and grandmother was very hot. She doesn’t use air conditioning. That’s the kind of heart she has, always caring about other people.
Chen-yang has now been helping other mothers for 52 years, donating a whopping NT$12.6 million to 588 mothers in an impressive lifetime of philanthropy. Her greatest hope is that all single mothers will find the courage, perseverance and strength they need to see them through any challenge.
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2023-09-14