In a somewhat tragic burst of generosity a middle-aged woman —seemingly in distress — walked the streets of Mong Kong yesterday, handing out some HK$10,000 (US$1,300) in free money to passersby.
The 44-year-old, surnamed Chung, was discovered wandering around Shamchun Street with a large stack of bills — all HK$500 and HK$1,000 notes — and asking people whether they wanted her money.
Chung, an out-of-work single-mother, told Oriental Daily she was giving away her savings because she was upset and was having difficulty with her teenage daughter.
“Money can’t solve my problems, so I give it to those in need,” she told the newspaper.
“I’m so stressed out; how can I be happy? But I want to make the neighborhood happy,” Chung added.
According to the outlet, more than 10 people took cash from Chung. Some, however, called the police when she reportedly said she wanted to “find a place to jump from a building”.
Police and ambulance arrived to help, but Chung insisted on not going to hospital, saying that there was nothing wrong with her.
Hours after policemen walked her home, she came out again in the evening carrying more money.
Chung told the newspaper that her daughter, whom she had raised alone since getting divorced 10 years ago, was becoming rebellious and she blamed herself.
“I pushed her too hard because I want her to be the best. I feel so guilty,” Chung said.
Asked if social workers had offered any help, Chung said that they only told her to ignore her daughter. “How is that possible?”
“I’d like to donate everything to the government if only my daughter can be happy!”
