Good Samaritan overwhelmed by praise

KIRK HARGREAVES/The Press

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Daniel Chung has found a new venue to give out free lunches.

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A Good Samaritan taxi driver is overwhelmed at his new-found fame for feeding Christchurch's homeless.

South Korean Daniel Chung, 52, said he spent yesterday receiving handshakes, pats on the back for being a "good man", and offers of help.

"I didn't expect anything like this," he said. "But it will be a big help I think, so I have been encouraged very much."

Chung spends between $100 and $300 from his own pocket to feed the city's homeless in Latimer Square every Sunday.

"I have been at the airport working this morning and many people talked to me and shook my hand saying, `you are a big celebrity – well done', `you are a really good man'.

"My boss was surprised and he praised me and spoke well of me."

Messages of support and praise flooded in for Chung and his family on the Stuff website, with over 90 comments posted, many offering donations.

"NZ is blessed to have people like Daniel Chung living here," one woman wrote.

"So much compassion for people less fortunate than themselves. Great stuff! This man is showing that you don't need to have a lot of money to make a difference to other people's lives. Very inspiring indeed."

Some called for local government and Cantabrians to join Chung's crusade.

Chung has been living in Christchurch for 13 years after moving to New Zealand from South Korea 17 years ago.

He drives a taxi, after being unable to find work as a chemical engineer, while his wife, Hyun-Sook Chung, is an ESOL teacher.

The Chungs live in a modest Ilam home they have owned for five years, since moving from Aranui.

"It is a little bit hard to support my family," Chung said.

"I work hard, but I like my job.

"More support will mean I can give [the homeless] better-quality food."

Apart from working, spending Sundays at Latimer Square, attending church, and raising four children, aged 15, 13, 12 and 9, Chung enjoys painting, watching movies and playing football.

Anyone who wishes to help Chung can email him at skc3328@hanmail.net

- © Fairfax NZ News