The 72-year-old gets his first fridge and a TV after readers respond to his plight
This time last week, 72-year-old Chu Wan was living in his tiny public housing flat without even the most basic electrical appliances. But after his plight was revealed in the South China Morning Post, he is now the proud owner of his first refrigerator, a new TV and a fan.
St James' Settlement, a charitable organisation, received dozens of phone calls and e-mails last week from people wanting to donate to its programme supplying the elderly with basic electrical appliances after Mr Chu's story appeared last Monday.
Mr Chu was among about 400 elderly people waiting for electrical appliances under the programme. After receiving the television and refrigerator last week, Mr Chu told the Post: 'This is the first time in many years that I have watched the television news.
'The news is my favourite programme, but I used to listen to the radio only. I am so glad that many people care for elderly people like me. I am really happy.'
The elderly man lost contact with his wife and daughter on the mainland when he came to Hong Kong in 1947. The retired market worker now lives alone in a 100 sq ft flat in Fanling and survives on a dole payment of $2,500 a month, which means he cannot afford the most basic necessities.
St James' Settlement social worker Chan Ping-lun said he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the donors.
