‘Give to a better cause’ says newspaper hawker, after viral plea for stolen items prompts donations

Screenshot: Apple Daily
Screenshot: Apple Daily

A newspaper hawker who was robbed of HKD15,900 worth of stock over the weekend has asked customers to give their money to those who are “truly in need”, after her tearful plea for the stolen items’ return prompted a flood of donations.

The 49-year-old woman, surnamed Chiang, was interviewed by a number of local media outlets on Sunday after someone broke into her Tsuen Wan newspaper stall overnight and stole 30 cartons of cigarettes, worth HKD15,900. “I only make HKD3 from every packet I sell,” she told Apple Daily. “I work 12 hours a day, rain or shine, to make enough money for me and my daughter.”

Chiang told reporters that the newspaper stand, which has been in business for over 40 years, belonged to her husband, surnamed Yeung. The couple ran it together for ten years until about six months ago, when Yeung died from cancer. Since then, Chiang has been relying on her modest earnings from the shop to raise their 12-year-old daughter.

Yesterday, many new and returning customers flocked to Chiang’s stall at 2 Chung On Street after seeing the videos in order to “chip in” for the stolen cigarettes. One man paid HKD500 for a newspaper, while another man brought Chiang a cheque for HKD16,000, which he said was a gift from his boss to cover her losses, HK01 reports.

However, the 49-year-old says she’d rather have people give to a “better cause”, and was even seen chasing down a woman to give her change. “If you want to support me, just come and buy a newspaper or a bottle of water. Give your donations to people who are truly in need,” she said. That’s not to say she’s unappreciative, though.

“I never would have imagined there would be so many warm-hearted people in Hong Kong,” she told Headline Daily, fighting back tears. “I am so grateful for the kindness that people have shown me.”

Moving on, Chiang says she’ll invest in better security for her stall, and store stock at home overnight.



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