TAIPEI, Taiwan - Vegetable vendor and philanthropist Chen Shu-chu said yesterday she will start working as early as possible on her next goal of raising an additional NT$10 million (S$435,865) to help people in need.
Chen announced her plan upon returning home yesterday after being honored in New York by Time magazine for her charitable donations over the past few decades.
"It's great to return home," Chen said beaming with a radiant smile at the airport in her hometown of Taitung on Taiwan's southeastern coast.
The 61-year-old Taiwan heroine wore a specially designed apron bearing a caricature image of her and Chinese characters that read "2010 Time 100 most influential people in the world."
"I am wearing this apron because the first thing I want to do is go back to my stall at the market and begin selling vegetables," Chen told reporters.
The red apron was a gift from Taitung County Magistrate Justin Huang who greeted Chen at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport upon her return from the United States early Sunday and then accompanied her on a domestic flight from Taipei's Songshan Airport to Taitung.
Chen also showed off a copy of the Time newsmagazine reporting her deeds.
She received a warm welcome at Taoyuan airport and many passengers asked for her autograph and took photos with her.
Despite her newfound fame, the modest Chen said that what she wants most is just to return to her normal life and be herself.
"I will wear my old apron when I resume work Tuesday," Chen said. Monday is traditionally a day off in Taiwan's traditional marketplaces.
Chen further said she has no intention to become a spokeswoman for Taitung County's farm produce. "I just want to be myself and to resume my vegetable retailing business at my stall in Taitung's Central Market," she stressed.
She also rejected the ideas of accepting donations for her charitable causes or the establishment of a charity foundation.
"I will continue to save money for charitable causes, but I will not set up any charity foundations, nor will I accept any donations," she said.
Chen said she was glad to hear that many people in Taiwan have made no financial donations after the media reported on her.
But she asked reporters not to cover her any more, particularly after she resumes her business Tuesday. Or she will have to "chase away anyone who might obstruct" her work, Chen said jokingly.
Named one of the world's 100 most influential people of 2010 by Time magazine for her charitable acts, Chen went to New York for three days to attend a gala hosted by the magazine. On her way home, she also toured several San Francisco landmarks. Chen said the U.S. trip — her first-ever travel abroad — was wonderful and memorable.
Chen began selling vegetables at the age of 13 to support her family. From her modest living, Chen has managed to donate nearly NT$10 million to various causes, including supporting orphanages and building libraries in remote schools.
In March, Chen was also selected by Forbes magazine of the U.S. as one of the 48 heroes of philanthropy from Asia.
