H
andsOn Hong Kong (HOHK)
aims to inspire and mobilise
people to positively change our
community. HOHK is affiliated
to the US-based HandsOn Network,
which has 250 affiliates creating change
around the world.
Shaun Bernier is the founder and
board chair of HOHK, and a
Playtimes
reader! Having volunteered in the
US, Shaun set up HOHK in 2007 after
relocating here and seeing the need
for social engagement between
locals and expats. She also spoke with
various charities that were interested in
outsourcing volunteering. Since then,
HOHK has grown – currently there are
over 11,000 volunteers and around
100 activities per month – and its work
continues to expand.
Make a link
HOHK works by empowering our
community to meet local, social needs
through volunteering. Their vision is
to transform Hong Kong by linking
volunteers with worthy causes, enabling
people to help disadvantaged groups.
Despite being in the top 10 worldwide
for GDP per capita, Hong Kong has
a huge gap between rich and poor
people. This income inequality results
in significant social issues with a huge
number living in poverty. Sadly, one
in four children and almost half of
the elderly in our city exist below the
poverty line. Whilst local grassroots non-
governmental organisations (NGOs)
address these issues, they need support
to source and train volunteers.
HOHK makes it easy to give back
by connecting people with various
NGO partners – meaning volunteering
is accessible, flexible, convenient and
effective. HOHK’s online platform
opens up a huge range of activities
for a wide range of causes. They also
support corporate social responsibility
by providing opportunities for corporate
partners to engage with NGOs, for
regular activities or one-off events.
Something for everyone
The diverse programmes on offer benefit
an array of disadvantaged groups,
including children, the elderly and
people with disabilities. You can help
minority students with their homework,
take underprivileged kids out, deliver
soup to the elderly, care for abandoned
animals or even redistribute surplus food.
There’s a cause to suit everyone!
Shaun encourages people to look
at HOHK’s website and register for the
newsletter. She’s keen to get more
volunteers involved but stresses that
there’s no commitment. Just sign up for
what you want, when you want, as often
as you want.
Funding comes from donors,
corporate sponsors and participating
organisations. An annual gala dinner and
other events raise funds, on top of which
HOHK receives grants (including from
the Sedan Chair Race, the American
Women’s Association and Operation
Santa Claus).
Despite HOHK’s growth, the
challenges in our community remain
and additional support is sought to
address our city’s social needs through
volunteerism. Aiming to expand their
impact this year and beyond, HOHK
asks you to put your hands up, be the
change and create a better city for all.
Remember that every act counts.
For more information contact
or
find them on Facebook.
advice
HandsOn Hong Kong brings together people who want to volunteer with
organisations that could use their help.
Gillian Johnston
finds out more.
Hands-on
help
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