Taiwanese Bakery's 'Tearful Toast' Fundraiser Goes Viral for Railway Car Project

A unique fundraising initiative in Shetou, Taiwan, has unexpectedly captured public attention and support. A local bakery, "True Sister PURE FOOD," has created a special "Tearful Toast" to help railway enthusiast Chen Chao-chiang realize his dream of transporting a restored "Taisugar 135" inspection car to Dongyin.

Chen, a railway fan from Changhua County, meticulously restored the "Taisugar 135" inspection car, which has become a new landmark in Shetou. His long-held wish was to exhibit the vintage vehicle in Dongyin, an island known as the "northernmost territory" of Taiwan, where he once served in the military. However, a lack of funds had stalled the project.

The "Tearful Toast," made with premium Japanese Casarine high-gluten flour, offers a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture described as a blend of tofu pudding and cake. Its unique name and delicious taste have made it a sensation. The bakery's owner, Lai Pei-chen, decided to support Chen's aspiration by printing a Q-version illustration of the inspection car on the toast's packaging. For every loaf sold, NT$20 is donated to the cause, aiming to make the car's journey to Dongyin possible next year.

The initiative has gained significant traction, partly due to promotion by visitors traveling on the "Shanlan Hao" ferry and local township chief Hsiao Chun-erh. Many locals have also purchased the toast as a gift for friends and family, further boosting sales and awareness for the "Taisugar 135" inspection car's cultural value and its potential to enhance Shetou's tourism.