Frugal Shanghai couple donates $1 million for children's heart surgeries

A Shanghai couple, a retired teacher and doctor, have left a profound legacy of generosity after donating nearly $1 million to help children with congenital heart disease. Du Yingrong and his wife Lu Suying lived a remarkably frugal life, a stark contrast to their significant charitable contributions.

Their philanthropic journey began in 2018 when Du Yingrong saw a poster at a hospital seeking aid for children with congenital heart disease. Moved by the cause, the couple immediately pledged 500,000 yuan (about $110,000) to support ten children. They later committed an additional 4.5 million yuan (about $990,000) for further treatments.

Despite their substantial donations, their personal lives remained modest. Hospital staff, upon visiting their humble home, urged them to keep some funds for their retirement. However, the couple insisted they had enough, stating they didn't need much as their retirement funds and savings were sufficient. Their donations ultimately funded surgeries for 455 children.

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We both don't have many years left to live. We receive pensions and have savings, so we don't need a lot of money.

Following Du Yingrong's passing from cancer, his 92-year-old wife Lu Suying continued to live in their modest home until her death last August. An inspection of their home revealed worn furniture, glasses repaired with bandages, and meticulously kept notebooks detailing daily expenses. They were known to share inexpensive meals, with one report mentioning a 17 yuan (about $3.80) meal.

Their generosity extended beyond heart surgeries. They had previously donated to earthquake relief efforts in Qinghai and Sichuan provinces and supported a "Water Tank for Mothers" initiative. The couple's final wishes were honored with a sea burial in April. A charity foundation noted that while the couple might not be historically famous, the 455 children they helped would remember them forever.

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These two may not leave their names in history, but the 455 children they helped will remember these grandparents forever.