China
10:38, 20-May-2018
The Inspirer: Chung To, the tireless HIV/AIDS activist in China
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Chung To is a social entrepreneur who has supported thousands of children with HIV and AIDS and also those whose parents have passed away because of the disease.
He is the founder of the Chi Heng Foundation, an organization aimed at supporting these kids.
But it's not just about writing checks for the cause. To establish a bakery called Shanghai Young Bakers with the hope of helping these children stand on their feet and gain an education.
A bakery established by Chung To to help children who lost parents to AIDS earn their own living after they grow up. /CGTN Photo
A bakery established by Chung To to help children who lost parents to AIDS earn their own living after they grow up. /CGTN Photo
"Education doesn't mean only university education. If they could learn a skill set, it would also be beneficial to their development," To said.
Han - not his real name - is 20 years old and is one of the bakers. His parents died of AIDS.
He said he is thankful to Chung To for inspiring him to move on and live a better life.
Han works as a baker. /CGTN Photo
Han works as a baker. /CGTN Photo
"I was wondering why someone would dare work in this sensitive situation back then. Every time I went to collect my scholarship stipend, he would encourage me to study harder," Han said.
In the hope of ridding people of the stereotypes against HIV and AIDS, To holds up to 50 talks every year at various forums.
Chung To speaks at a forum. /CGTN Photo
Chung To speaks at a forum. /CGTN Photo
And he has also carried out something that's deemed slightly controversial – matchmaking for those with the disease.
A total of 52 couples have found each other because of his efforts – of which 32 have had children.
A photo of a wedded couple who met each other through Chung To's matchmaking. /CGTN Photo
A photo of a wedded couple who met each other through Chung To's matchmaking. /CGTN Photo
"I think people with HIV should have the right to form a family, and should have the right to have their own children," To added.
To's foundation is registered and based in Hong Kong with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Henan in central China and Anhui in east.
He said he's committed to helping those kids not only gain an education and earn a degree, but also receive dependable and comprehensive support.
Tune in every Friday as CGTN's The Link brings you these stories and puts the spotlight on the likes of Chung who inspire extraordinary deeds that instill hope and inspire others.