98-year-old general Zhang Yuhua, the former deputy political commissar of Nanjing Military Area Command, sent 5,000 kilograms of rice to those in need at Gulou District on Dec 25.
In spite of poor hearing and difficulties in moving, general Zhang travels to distressed areas across the country at least three times a year to donate money and materials to people in need. He reads newspapers everyday, and helps those whose difficulty is covered in newspapers.
Zhang has donated most of his income to the disadvantaged group every year since 1986, according to Wu Gengxin, director of Civil Affairs Bureau of Gulou District. Zhang himself, however, leads a thrifty life. “Furniture bought 30 years ago can still be found at his home. He eats porridge and pickles as breakfast, and steamed bread and sweet potato porridge as supper,” said Wu.