Retired taxi driver, 78, sweeps Ang Mo Kio car park for free over last 8 years
He does this every day for more than two hours each time.
In Ang Mo Kio, a 78-year-old retired taxi driver has been volunteering to sweep dead leaves from a nearby car park for the past eight years. Chen Jinhe, as he is known locally, dedicates two hours each day to the task, collecting leaves in cardboard boxes under the trees. Initially focusing on the senior citizens' corner at the void deck, Chen later expanded his efforts to the car park near Block 533 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 after noticing an accumulation of fallen leaves.
Chen, who found joy in his daily routine without any boss to answer to, explained that he enjoys the freedom of choosing when to sweep. This flexibility, he said, was particularly convenient for him as he is now solely responsible for picking up his grandson. Chen, a former taxi driver who operated a yellow-top cab for 35 years, transitioned to retirement life and found street sweeping to be an indispensable part of his day.
He takes particular care in trimming his broom's bristles to the right length and ensuring they are firm enough, seeing it as a beneficial form of activity and exercise that has even helped him lose weight.
While Chen's family expressed concerns about his exposure to the elements, he maintained that the routine was healthy for him. His good deeds did not go unnoticed, as Ang Mo Kio MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin occasionally stops by the car park to thank him for his tireless work. In 2021, Chen received a community award at the Long Service and Community Awards ceremony in recognition of his contributions. Despite his age, Chen remains determined, stating that as long as his health allows it, he will continue to sweep the car park.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
