'Killing time' turns a retiree into neighborhood benefactor
By Tan Weiyun |
March 15, 2013, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
WANG Rugan, 80, is something of a celebrity in the Yongfeng neighborhood. The retired carpenter has made more than 400 small wooden benches in the past two years and given them free to his neighbors and local public service facilities.
Firm and functional, the benches are made of recycled materials. Some are now in the neighborhood's library, the cultural center and meeting rooms. Almost every family in Yongfeng has one Wang-made bench.
"I've been using carpentry tools all my life," Wang said, with a big smile. "It's my passion. I am just killing time in my retirement."
Wang became a carpenter at age 18 and just can't seem to quit. Two years ago, he loaded up a truck with recycled wood from his daughter's newly decorated home and started his bench-making work.
"I did it for fun, not for money," he said. "If my neighbors like the things I make, it's the biggest reward for me."
Wang declines all offers of money payments and even rejects gifts from people who want to thank him.
His community spirit doesn't end there.
Eight years ago, he volunteered to do maintenance work at Diaohua Hall, a wood mansion that is a cultural heritage site in the area.
Everyday he inspects around the house to check the condition of the ancient woodcarvings. Since he is the first to arrive in the morning, he opens the site for local elderly people who like to do their tai chi in the hall's grand yard.
Wang has even planted trees, shrub and flowers in the garden of the hall. About 100 plants, including peach, orange and loquat trees, pines and osmanthus flowers, greet visitors.
"I love this neighborhood," Wang said. "I'm old and these are the easiest things I can do for the place. I feel useful, and it's great fun."
Firm and functional, the benches are made of recycled materials. Some are now in the neighborhood's library, the cultural center and meeting rooms. Almost every family in Yongfeng has one Wang-made bench.
"I've been using carpentry tools all my life," Wang said, with a big smile. "It's my passion. I am just killing time in my retirement."
Wang became a carpenter at age 18 and just can't seem to quit. Two years ago, he loaded up a truck with recycled wood from his daughter's newly decorated home and started his bench-making work.
"I did it for fun, not for money," he said. "If my neighbors like the things I make, it's the biggest reward for me."
Wang declines all offers of money payments and even rejects gifts from people who want to thank him.
His community spirit doesn't end there.
Eight years ago, he volunteered to do maintenance work at Diaohua Hall, a wood mansion that is a cultural heritage site in the area.
Everyday he inspects around the house to check the condition of the ancient woodcarvings. Since he is the first to arrive in the morning, he opens the site for local elderly people who like to do their tai chi in the hall's grand yard.
Wang has even planted trees, shrub and flowers in the garden of the hall. About 100 plants, including peach, orange and loquat trees, pines and osmanthus flowers, greet visitors.
"I love this neighborhood," Wang said. "I'm old and these are the easiest things I can do for the place. I feel useful, and it's great fun."
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