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The village that once funded his education, now receives gifts as he returns, a billionaire

Founder of JD.com honours villagers who supported his education with cash and essentials 
Richard Liu, founder of JD.com, performed a generous act on his return to his childhood village. Reuters file
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In a heartwarming act of gratitude, Richard Liu Qiangdong, billionaire founder of JD.com, has once again given back to his hometown, Guangming Village in Jiangsu province, China.

Ahead of the Lunar New Year, Liu distributed cash gifts of 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,400) to each villager aged 60 and above, along with essentials like food, clothing, and home appliances for every household.

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A legacy of gratitude 

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Liu, now 50, credits the villagers for their support during his youth. Born into a financially struggling family, Liu relied on their generosity to fund his education.

In the early 1990s, when he left for Beijing to study at China Renmin University, the villagers collectively raised 500 yuan (about $70) and contributed 76 eggs to help him.

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“My fellow men’s help is the starting point for me to step towards the world,” Liu once said, acknowledging the pivotal role his community played in his journey.

A tradition of giving 

Since 2016, Liu has maintained his tradition of giving back to his village. This year, his team worked with the village commission to ensure a smooth distribution process, asking residents to provide household registry and identity documents.

A farmer named Xu told SCMP that both his parents, being over 60, received a total of 20,000 yuan ($2,700) from Liu. “We are thankful for him. He came last year too, bringing down jackets and food,” Xu added.

Another elderly villager remarked, “Even if he doesn’t give us presents in the future, we will always remember what he’s done for us. He has worked hard for his success, and we’re grateful.”

Widespread appreciation 

The billionaire’s generosity has sparked admiration on social media. “He’s a businessman with a conscience,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “His real help is more meaningful than any words.”

While some sceptics suggested his actions might be a publicity stunt, the overwhelming majority praised Liu’s efforts to give tangible support to his community.

From humble beginnings to global success 

Richard Liu’s journey from a small village to becoming one of China’s wealthiest entrepreneurs is inspiring. As per the Hurun Global Rich List 2023, his net worth is estimated at 49.5 billion yuan ($6.8 billion), placing him 427th among global tycoons.

Through his philanthropic gestures, Liu continues to honour his roots while proving that success is most meaningful when shared with those who helped along the way. His actions not only uplift his village but also set a powerful example of gratitude and generosity.

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