Lin Zhixin’s Alternative Approach to Charitable Works

Lin Zhixin, head of Honghua Concentric Masonic and president of Hong Hua Children’s Home in China’s Taiwan, is distinct from other philanthropists and charitable workers. This is partly due to his focus on vulnerable groups not included under the government budget, and partly because Honghua Concentric Masonic funds come from self-motivated voluntary donations, rather than governmental aid or appeals to the general public.

Lin Zhixin, head of Honghua Concentric Masonic and president of Hong Hua Children’s Home.

New Approach to Charity

In 1984, Lin Zhixin obtained permission to register the private Honghua Concentric Masonic charity. His aim was to donate coffins to impoverished families, bring emergency aid to people in need, and help children who have no legal guardian. In 1985 Lin set up the Hong Hua Children’s Home, which fosters and educates homeless youths.

If such benefactions do not stem from government or welfare departments, then what exactly is the source of these funds? According to Lin, all contributions come from benevolent people.

Lin firmly believes that his wholehearted devotion to charities has finally won him recognition and approval from the general public. Donors are provided with detailed information on the poverty-stricken predicaments of people applying for funds. “Seeing is believing. These authentication materials help us to garner the trust and support of donors, and to reassure them that their money is put to good use,” Lin explained.

His 30 or more years of endeavor have convinced Lin that one should “give before receiving.” In earlier times Lin and his late wife Luo Meidai indeed donated almost all their family property to philanthropic undertakings. Lin even donated the entire insurance payment he received after his wife’s accidental road death to the Hong Hua Children’s Home. “It’s like digging a well. No matter how arduous the task, you have to keep working. Your reward is the eventual discovery of an underground spring. When anyone needs water, you give it to them and it is automatically replenished. Water flows only where there is room for it,” Lin said. In the recent six years, Hong Hua Children’s Home has received such abundant donations that Honghua Concentric Masonic has redirected some of them to other charities and to needy people. They include 210,000 kg of rice, along with countless general food supplies, fruits and vegetables, clothing and stationery.

Lin’s unique approach to philanthropy entails a risky path paved with unexpected challenges due to his insistence on not resorting to governmental support or launching any public initiative to raise funds. But from Lin’s perspective, public acknowledgment and growing donations are the main indicators of his success.