A Chinese businessman who grew in the slums of Xiongkeng village in the city of Xinyu, southern China is giving back to the community that he once called home.
The Chinese millionaire, 54-year-old Xiong Shuihua, made a fortune in the construction and steel industries. Shuihua decided to put a portion of his fortune to good use in a community that he knew could use the help, his birth village. Xiong spent more than 6 million dollars to transform the basic wooden huts into luxury homes and villas for 90 families.
According to the Daily Mail , The business tycoon decided to return to the village and give everybody a place of their own to live. Five years ago, the area was run down and many lived in basic hut homes. However, after Xiong put his money into the village, the area was transformed into a beautiful community where 72 families are enjoying life in luxury flats. Xiong apparently also took notes growing up, 18 families who were particularly kind to the businessman were given villas of their own to enjoy.
In addition to the villas, Xiong wanted to ensure that none of the residents went hungry. After moving in, he even promised three meals a day to the older residents and people on a low income to make sure they could get by.
The generous millionaire said he got his start with a construction company. Later he moved into the steel trade business where he claims he made more money than he knew what to do with.
“I earned more money than I knew what to do with, and I didn’t want to forget my roots. I always pay my debts, and wanted to make sure the people who helped me when I was younger and my family were paid back.”
At least one resident at the new villa community remembers Xiong’s parents. The resident says that Xiong gets his charitable personality from his parents. The man noted that he remembers Xiong’s parents as being very kind-hearted.
“I remember his parents. They were kind-hearted people who cared very much for others, and it’s great that their son has inherited that kindness.”
Similarly, Sam Simon the dying co-creator of The Simpsons is donating his entire $100 million fortune to charity.
What do you think of this Chinese millionaires decision to give back to the community where he grew up? What do you think of turning the slums into a planned community of luxury homes?
[Image Credit: Daily Mail ]