Jay Chou Gets Hero’s Welcome At Night Market A Day Before His NT$1mil Donation To Charity Was Revealed

It’s no secret or surprise that Mandopop king Jay Chou is loaded. Like, really loaded. But he also has a heart of gold and does his part to give back to the community.

Recently, it was revealed that the 41-year-old had donated NT$1mil (S$47,600) to Taiwan’s Maria Social Welfare Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides rehabilitation, education, and employment support services for people with physical and mental disabilities. He also serves as their celebrity ambassador.

In addition, Jay authorised the use of his image — cannot anyhow use someone’s picture, you know — as well as one of his song titles and lyrics for one of the company’s latest fundraising events. Totally free of charge, of course.

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#Cheers for good guy Jay

As part of the campaign, those who donate NT$600 (S$28) will be given a pair of Christmas socks, which were designed by the foundation’s young beneficiaries. Two of the designs were inspired by Jay’s songs, ‘Superman Can’t Fly’ and the line “Once upon a time, there was an owl” from ‘Bedtime Stories’. The ultimate goal is to open a socks shop where the youths can work to ease their families’ financial burdens and increase their social value.
“It is my honour to contribute to society,” Jay shared in a statement. “I urge everyone to support this fundraiser and put on your socks for a good cause.”
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Keep your feet warm in Jay-inspired style

In other wholesome news, Jay visited Dongmen Night Market in Yilan with his wife Hannah Quinlivan and a group of friends last Monday (Oct 26) and was treated to the most epic welcome.
According to reports, the stall owners received word that the superstar would be coming to visit, but by 8pm, there was still no sign of him. The chairman of the night market then had the brilliant idea of getting all the stall owners to play Jay’s songs at the same time, turning the entire market into some sort of Jay Chou-themed place. The superstar finally showed up at around 9pm.
You’d think someone like Jay would be totally blasé about hearing his hits being played everywhere, but no. Sharing a wefie with his friends and the night market chairman on his Instagram, he wrote, “The chairman of Dongmen Night Market said he wanted to play my songs on the entire street. Thank you for your support.”
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The night market boss made the right call

The night market chairman later reported that Jay had a great time feasting on snacks and playing with the claw machines. The singer was also able to enjoy some privacy — not something he gets to experience all the time, unfortunately — thanks to his mask and went largely unrecognised the whole time. It wasn’t until Jay had posted about his trip on his socials that the public knew of his whereabouts.
There’s more. Remember Francis Ng’s son Feynman, who tried — and failed — to get in touch with his idol Jay through Instagram? Well, Jay shared a news article about it (see below) and wrote, “Feynman, don’t be heartbroken. I saw it. Jiayou!” The 12-year-old must be jumping for joy.
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Having a famous dad has its perks
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Jay with Hannah and their pals
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Looking for toys for his two kids?
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Would you have recognised him if you were there?
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He’s watching you
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Looks like he’s enjoying a snack. Anyone else miss Taiwan’s night markets now?

Photos: Maria Social Welfare Foundation/Facebook, United Daily News, Jay Chou/Instagram