Born in Hong Kong, Jackie Chan is a famous international action movie star.  His kung fu leaps and humor in martial arts films have earned him huge successes in Hollywood and an enormous fortune, making him a successful actor with millions of fans worldwide.

However, while trying new genres of film, such as fantasy, drama and romance, Chan has been spending more and more time on his charity work. He spends almost all his spare time working for children, the elderly and those in need.

For many years, Chan has been actively participating in all kinds of charitable works and contributed money and effort. He regards charity as an important part of his life. “Even when I am sleeping, I think how I can help other people,” Chan said. “Every human being has to learn how to do charity.”

In 1988, Chan established the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, which provides scholarships and help for Hong Kong’s young people. Before long, the foundation expanded its activities to support disaster relief, medical care and art performance.

Chan founded the Dragon’s Heart Foundation in 2004 with the purpose of fulfilling the desperate needs of children and the elderly in remote areas of China. This foundation has built over 20 schools, provided books, fees and uniforms for students and raised millions of dollars to give poor children educational opportunities. In 2011, Chan created a European branch for the foundation and spread its charitable work.

Having pledged to give away all of his cash to charity when he dies, Chan said, “One day I hope we won’t have any poor people in China.”

Chan is always the one who stands out and offers help after disasters strike.

For example, in the first eight months in 2010, Chan provided $36 million for people across the globe. He donated $800,000 to help Haiti earthquake victims and $5.2 million to support the Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution. Besides, he raised $29 million for drought relief in China and brought supplies to earthquake victims of Qinghai, China.

Currently, Chan serves as UNICEF and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador.

Chan believes that China, with 400 billionaires and the world’s largest economy after America, can do more. Living in poverty when he was a child, Chan deeply understands the significance of giving away. He insists that the wealthy have an obligation to help out the poor who have no way of helping themselves.

“I think in the future there will be more charity in China,” Chan said. “Charity in China brings harmony and love.”

Chan has been awarded Silver Bauhinia Star in recognition of his significant contribution to the charitable work in Hong Kong. Also, he has been recognized as one of the 10 most charitable celebrities by Forbes Magazine in 2006.

Chan revealed that he will donate all of his fortune to charity and that his only son, Jaycee Chan, will receive nothing.

“People’s support has got my father where he is today,” Jaycee Chan said. “It’s reasonable to give back by doing charity work.”

– Liying Qian

Sources: Jackie Chan, Look to the Stars
Photo: Giphy.com