JC's Charity Dreams Began With Childhood Red Cross Experience

Martial arts star Jackie Chan became determined to get involved in charitable causes after he was helped by Red Cross workers as a child.




The Rush Hour actor's family struggled with money, and Chan recalls he was given basic items such as a toothbrush and clothes by charity volunteers while he was at school.
He tells Britain's Daily Mirror, "I said, 'Wow, thank you.' The man said, 'Don't thank me. If you really want to thank someone then you have to help other people.'
"I will never forget his words. Suddenly, I wanted to do charitable work. I was a poor child. I had nothing. And today I have everything. I'd rather give it away.
"When I was a child I didn't know why the Red Cross wanted to help me. But now I think we should help each other. Because in China, it's just too big. I think in the future there will be more charity in China. Charity in China brings harmony and love."
Chan has used his fame to set up a self-titled foundation which benefits youngsters and those in need in his native Hong Kong, and the actor's wealthy pals have also helped boost the cause.
He adds, "My friends tell me, 'I'm rich. But I don't have time to do charitable work.' So people just write me a cheque like this... a million."