Peruvian doctor Ricardo Pun-Chong is
2018 CNN Hero of the Year, an award given as a recognition for people that do great social work to make the world a better place.
According to
CNN, the prize recognizes his efforts to offer free housing, meals, and help for sick children and their families while they are treated.
In Peru, many families travel from rural parts of the country seeking medical treatment in the capital city, Lima. Once there, they are unable to afford lengthy hotel stays and end up sleeping on the hospital floors.
Pun-Chong's social work started in 2008, as he founded a shelter and a nonprofit called Inspira, which has helped over 800 families in the Andean nation.
Besides making children feel at home, the shelter was intended to provide an appropriate space for them.
CNN will award each of the top 10 CNN Heroes US$10,000 to carry on their important work.
As the hero with the most votes, the Peruvian will receive an additional US$100,000 to continue with his life-changing initiative.
In his speech at the award ceremony, the physician thanked all volunteers who helped him over the past 10 years and those who knocked on the door to make donations. "That's why we are here tonight because people believed in us," he stated.
"We can start building now our new shelter with this prize, and we can triple our assistance. Thank you so much, CNN. Thank you so much, everybody," he added.
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Published: 12/10/2018