Wuxi's red envelope runners

In the chilly early hours on Jan 19, a dozen yellow-shirted runners try to keep warm outside a McDonald's in Wuxi's New District. Many can be found at this exact spot on Changjiang North Road several mornings a week, this run, however, is different. Throughout their 10 kilometer loop the runners will stop and gift hongbao, red envelopes traditionally offered during the Spring Festival, to street sweepers they pass.

The run is the invention of a soft-spoken American named Don Kenny, who began his altruistic tradition five years ago as a way of giving back to a group in Chinese society he feels is too often overlooked.

"I run every day and see the cleaners on the street. Every day I see many people throw their garbage on the street and I don't feel good about people taking advantage. Once a year I like to show my appreciation."

The route heads southeast over the railway tracks before turning onto Nanchang Street and continuing for six kilometers along one of the city's most iconic and storied thoroughfares.

Don Kenny hands over a hongbao to an appreciative street sweeper on Jan 19. The initiative has grown greatly since Kenny first began five years ago. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The street sweepers exhibit the full range of reactions as this troop of largely foreign faces stop, reach into their pockets, and proceed to hand over red envelopes accompanied by the words xin nian kuai le – Happy New Year. Some street sweepers beam radiantly, some nod mildly, others seemed shocked, perhaps believing in an ulterior motive.

Kenny, who initially handed out the envelopes alone when he spontaneously started the run five years ago, has seen this full range of reactions.

"The first one or two years there weren't as many street sweepers, but they were all very shy at first when I approached. Afterwards they were very happy."

By the time the runners leave the downtown Changjie area and head northeast they start to worry they haven't brought enough hongbao for all those early morning workers dressed in high visibility jackets. As it turns out this fear is unwarranted. The runners finish the last few kilometers along Xingchang South Road with a few red envelopes remaining.

Stood back outside McDonalds Kenny and Diana Hsu-Hopkins, a heavily involved Wuxi resident responsible for the English language website Wuxi City Guide, estimate they came across 25 to 30 street sweepers during their hour and a half long run.

There is an informal authenticity to this act of running charity. Runners are free to fill their envelopes with whatever amount they see fit and the activity has spread by word of mouth following the handful of people who joined Kenny on last year's hongbao run. Some mention having found out about the idea through social media and others say they will be sure to bring friends along in future years.

"With the help of Diana and Wuxi City Guide it [the run] just kind of grew and the word got out. Now we have two runs scheduled for this year," says Kenny.

A second hongbao run is planned for the weekend, Jan 22, to cater for those keen but unable to take part in the midweek run. Although is Kenny pleased with the growth of the charity run, he hopes with time and concerted effort the hongbao event with spread further.

"I'd like to add more people and eventually I’d like it to spread not only in Wuxi but to other cities throughout China. I'd like the word to get out so people do it everywhere to show there appreciation for street sweepers."

Individuals interested in participating in Don Kenny's hongbao run can get involved at www.wuxicityguide.com or by contacting Diana Hsu-Hopkins- WeChat ID:Diana_hsu_hopkins.

Runners pose for a photograph after finishing the hongbao run on Jan 19, an annual charity initiative that is led by Don Kenny to give back to local Wuxi street sweepers during the days leading to the Spring Festival. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A street sweeper holds a red envelope as the runners continue their morning circuit. Runners are free to gift whatever amount they like while taking part in the hongbao run. [Photo provided to China Daily]