Dirty, Dangerous & Difficult
With horrible hoardings, ubiquitous
cones and soaring cranes peppering
the landscape, Hong Kong can
seem like one big construction site.
Having developed at a remarkable
pace over recent decades, our city is
surrounded by construction work and
the construction community. Whilst
we’re often annoyed by the noise and
hassle from the seemingly constant
construction, we rarely focus on the
workers. The local industry is around
400,000 people strong and, whilst the
fruits of its labour are outstanding, it can
be dirty, dangerous and difficult.
Historically, construction has been a
hazardous environment but the industry
is, finally, recognising workers’ rights and
reducing injuries and fatalities. The safety
culture has also improved through better
designed projects and safer technologies.
But the current skills shortage amidst
the ongoing development of our city is
no excuse for not protecting workers.
So what happens when an employee
suffers a serious accident on-site, is
incapacitated by accident or illness,
or when a fatality sadly strikes?
Lighting up for Charity
Back in 1956, a few construction chums
so enjoyed the camaraderie during an
evening event in northern England that
they pledged to establish a club “for the
furtherance of good fellowship among
people in the construction industry”.
All Lighthouse Clubs (LHCs) – named
after the lighthouse illuminating that
evening – which have since evolved,
share the same objectives and ethos.
The Club’s two major objectives are (1)
to provide financial assistance to
those in need in the construction
industry (and dependent families)
through membership funds and
proceeds raised from events; and (2) to
promote fellowship and co-operation
amongst members. Additionally, the
Club promotes safety initiatives through
education and awards.
Since the Lighthouse Club HK
(LHCHK) was established in 1986
they have provided financial support
to those less fortunate within the
local construction industry. Anyone
associated with the construction
industry can join for a nominal fee.
Members voluntarily raise money for
the LHCHK Benevolent Fund – 100 per
cent of which is passed to victims and
families. Local membership is currently
around 1,000 and destined to grow.
The LHC facilitates networking
for construction professionals and
corporates to get together regularly for
seminars, site visits, social outings and
dinners, whilst raising funds and having
fun. A recent gala ball saw members
celebrating the Club’s 30 years in
Hong Kong. Regional clubs have been
established across the Middle East,
Asia and Australia; whilst a Lighthouse
Club International is being created to
cover international efforts.
Caring Construction
Annually the LHCHK raises $2
million which is distributed to those
in need within the local industry. One
heartwarming example concerns Kimmy,
who was 15 when her construction
worker dad was hit by a car on his way
to site. Her dad’s head injury is so severe
that he’s unlikely to work again. The
Club has since paid a monthly allowance
to help the family and cover Kimmy’s
education. Despite this tragedy, Kimmy
succeeded at school and is now studying
Law and Politics at Hong Kong University.
She regularly writes to the Lighthouse
Club expressing her gratitude.
Show your care for construction by
donating or fundraising. Alternatively,
get actively involved by sponsoring a
family event, visiting affected families or
providing renovation works.
Find out more at
.
asia
or contact Michelle Poulter at
Gillian Johnston
finds out about the caring side of
construction with the Lighthouse Club
THE
LIGHTHOUSE
FAMILY
advice
28
