Recently, in his dormitory at work, Wusiman took out his six cycling journals, which recorded the blessings written to him by local governments during his cycling trips in 2005. Since then, he began sponsoring underprivileged students.
The 37-year-old Wusiman is from Hutubi County. Currently, he and his wife work as chefs at a unit near the Tiechanggou intersection in the Midong District of Urumqi. With a monthly income of 2,100 yuan, he donates 400 yuan from his salary every month to underprivileged students.
Last week, Wusiman talked to reporters at his workplace about his journey of compassion. In early 2005, Wusiman planned to celebrate Beijing’s successful Olympic bid by cycling across the country. Before setting off, while depositing money at a bank, he saw an elderly man give his grandson 4 yuan, which the child immediately put into a charity box in the bank lobby. “Little one, why did you do that?” Wusiman couldn’t help but ask. The child replied, “Grandma said one jiao can buy a pencil. If I donate my money here, it can help other kids buy lots of pencils.”
Wusiman said he had never before thought of actively donating to others, but from then on, he began his journey of kindness. “During my rides, I often donated money to families of underprivileged students.” Along the way, Wusiman donated all the sponsorship money from related organizations and the 47,000-yuan prize for successfully completing the cycling trip.
Also during that cycling trip in the same year, Wusiman met his current wife, Aihetareguli, at a noodle shop in Toksun County. “I married him because I could see what a kind person he is,” Aihetareguli said.
Compared to previous recipients, Medina, a financially struggling high school student from Luntai County Middle School, was the first long-term beneficiary of Wusiman’s support. “I send 1,200 yuan every year for her living expenses.”
Although Wusiman and Medina have never met in person, they often talk on the phone. Once, Medina mentioned that her biggest wish was to have an old computer, and Wusiman remembered. “This time, I’m going to get her a new one as a New Year’s gift.”
“I’ve worn both brand-name clothes and street-market items. They didn’t make me fly or feel inferior. I feel fine where I am now—my salary isn’t high, but after donating to others, I can still save some money,” Wusiman said.
Currently, Wusiman and his wife live in a dormitory next to the workplace cafeteria. The couple can go home once every half month after working for 15 days, where they reunite with their 4-year-old daughter, who is being looked after by Wusiman’s mother. Wusiman’s home in Hutubi County is a three-room earthen house.
“Wusiman has been working as a chef here for over a year. He’s diligent and warm-hearted. Clearing snow from the yard isn’t part of his job, but he always does it voluntarily,” said Tang Yuguo, department manager of the labor dispatch company Wusiman works with.
Wusiman said he won’t be a chef forever. “In the future, I might start a business to help more people.”