At least 6,000 homeless people and the poor will be sitting shoulder to shoulder around the tables to enjoy the free feast together in the cold winter

Taiwan News
Date: 2019/02/04
By: Sophia Yang, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — On Lunar New Year’s Eve, families will be gathering from far and wide to tuck into a sumptuous reunion dinner—although this humble tradition is often not enjoyed by everyone.

A 79-year-old Gua-bao (刈包) vendor took to the streets ahead of and during the Lunar New Year holiday again this year, however, to set tables and ensure around 6,000 homeless people will get to enjoy a feast of delicious dishes.

Liao Jung-chi (廖榮吉) began hosting outdoor “reunion dinners” for the homeless and poor in 1985, and continued to do so each year after receiving funding from others; although funds have dwindled amid the prolonged period of slow economic growth.

Liao told media that the number of tables hit a record high of one thousand in 2013, when the event was held at a riverside parking lot over a period of four days.    [FULL  STORY]