Mr. Wang Wanlin, an 80-year-old man living in Hangzhou City (Zhejiang, China), has spent more than four decades helping homeless children on the streets. Starting in 1979, his journey is not only a story of compassion but also a testament to the power of perseverance and love.
On a freezing evening in 1979, Wang encountered a 15-year-old boy shivering from the cold. The boy, originally from Jiangsu Province, recounted how he had been lured to a coal mine with harsh working conditions. Wang took him home, cared for him, and later bought him a train ticket to return to his hometown. This boy became the first of hundreds of children Wang would help.
The Turbulent Life of Wang Wanlin
Wang once had a bright future when he joined a dance troupe as a young man. However, his life changed abruptly when he was falsely accused of theft. After 16 years of labor reform in a remote area, he returned with nothing. Fortunately, a packaging factory owner gave him a chance to rebuild his life.
When Wang began helping homeless children, he realized that he wasn’t just rescuing them—he was also finding purpose in his own life. He said, “The lives of these children can fall into darkness if they encounter bad people. I need to pull them back.”
Extraordinary Efforts
Over the years, Wang’s small apartment became a safe haven for dozens of homeless children. With his modest salary, he bought food, clothes, and train tickets for the children to return home. Each time, he received letters confirming their safe arrival.
One notable case was Yu Hui, a boy from Anhui Province. In 1998, at the age of 12, Yu left his hometown for Hangzhou to earn money for his family but was forced into theft. After escaping from a group of delinquents, Yu was discovered and helped by Wang. Initially, Wang bought Yu a train ticket home, but later persuaded his parents to send him back to Hangzhou to continue his education.
Yu initially insisted on working, believing it was the only way to help his family. Thanks to Wang’s persistence, Yu attended a vocational school and eventually became the CEO of a beauty salon in Hangzhou. Today, Yu lives with Wang and cares for him like a real father.
A Legacy of Love
Wang has kept hundreds of letters and photos from the children he has helped. For him, these are not just memories but proof of unconditional love. When Yu learned that Wang lived alone, he secretly replaced expired food in the house with fresh supplies to ensure his “father’s” health.
In 2022, Yu posted a video searching for the children Wang had assisted. Although the video was quickly deleted because Wang didn’t want anyone labeling the children as “ungrateful,” his story still touched millions of hearts on social media.
Conclusion
The story of Wang Wanlin is a testament to the strength of compassion and love. By helping over 700 homeless children, he has inspired the community about the value of sharing and social responsibility. Let’s spread meaningful stories like this to contribute to building a better society.
Source: dantri.com.vn
