Harlem Yu Turns 60; Donated 15,000 Popsicles Made From Mangoes Shunned By Public Due To The Delta Variant
He wanted to show that the mangoes, which were grown in the area where Taiwan's Delta variant outbreak was first recorded, are safe to eat.
Taiwanese singer Harlem Yu turned the big 6-0 today (Jul 28), but instead of throwing a big party for himself (not that he would’ve been able to anyway, no thanks to the pandemic), he decided to send out presents instead.
On Monday (Jul 26), the star donated over 15,000 popsicles to police stations in Changhua and Kaohsiung with the help of representatives from Taiwanese frozen snack brand Ki A Peng Sian.
He also shared a message, saying: “Seeing the hardworking handsome men and beautiful women of the police force happily eating popsicles to cool off during a hot summer is the most precious birthday gift to me!”
Aside from wanting to show his appreciation to frontline heroes, there is another very meaningful reason behind Harlem’s unusual and seemingly random gift.
Back in June, farmers in southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County revealed that sales of their famous Aiwen mangoes were badly affected after the country’s first outbreak of the COVID Delta variant was reported in the area.
This led to stigma against the fruit and many orders were cancelled, negatively impacting the livelihoods of small farm workers.
When Harlem heard about their plight, he and his team sprung into action. They bought 25 tonnes of mangoes from small farmers in Tainan City’s Yujing Market and had them made into the popsicles.
“If you can kill two birds with one stone, then why not!” Harlem said. “Taiwan isn’t called the ‘Kingdom of Fruit’ for nothing. I guarantee that the Aiwen mangoes have absolutely no problem! They are first class!”
Now wasn’t that just so sweet of him?
Photos: Harlem Yu’s work studio
