|
Learn More About HOPE worldwide (Hong Kong)
|
|
Where does HOPE worldwide work? What does it do?
HOPE worldwide has signature programs around the world, including the following:
- Free medical care--Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Housing and community services for leprosy patients--Village of HOPE, New Delhi, India
- Care for orphans and vulnerable children- Africa Network for Children Orphaned and at Risk (ANCHOR) Initiative, 12 countries in Africa
In the Greater China region, our programs focus on education, health, and volunteer services. In Hong Kong, the Centre of HOPE worldwide (Shek Kip Mei) delivers mentoring, tutorial, and other community-based education services for underprivileged children in Shum Shui Po. In the community we also provide job-skills training and other support to families. In China, we support poor communities through sponsoring primary, secondary, and tertiary-aged students to attend school. Currently we work in poor counties in Gansu, Hunan, Shaanxi, and Yunnan provinces.
Our largest annual volunteer outreach in Hong Kong is Volunteers for Seniors Day, where over 2,000 volunteers mobilize to serve the territory's single elderly. We have served over 6,000 elderly the past 10 years. Other volunteer-driven outreaches have included eye screening and fall prevention campaigns for vulnerable seniors.
What is HOPE worldwide's official status in Hong Kong?
HOPE worldwide was incorporated under the Companies Ordinance in 1993 and obtained tax-exempt status as a charity the same year from the Inland Revenue Department (reference number 91/3798). HOPE worldwide has been a member of the Hong Kong Council of Social Services since 2001.
Why does HOPE worldwide focus on children and seniors?
HOPE worldwide's vision is to bring hope and change lives for the poor and needy of this world. In many communities, children and the elderly are still the most vulnerable and need help. While we do provide services to disadvantaged adults, we currently focus on at-risk children and elderly where we serve.
Why provide educational assistance to low-income families in Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong government does provide compulsory education to all of its children, but in today's society, poorer children remain disadvantaged because they lack opportunities for learning and development that so many of us take for granted. The district where HOPE worldwide focuses its educational services, Shum Shui Po, remains one of Hong Kong's highest in terms of ratio of low-income children and families.
How does HOPE worldwide start a sponsorship program in China?
One of HOPE worldwide's core values is to work in partnership with the communities where we serve. We begin by collaborating with local education officials and school principals, and, after adequate verification, decide to deliver sponsorships to children in need. Working in different provinces provides a breadth of experience that informs all our programs in China.
How is HOPE worldwide funded?
HOPE worldwide is a non-subvented charity in Hong Kong. As such, most of our funding for operations comes from individual donations, earned through fundraisers, flag days, special events, etc. We likewise receive support from organizations such as multinational corporations, government departments, and longstanding partner the Hong Kong Church of Christ. Program revenue is another source of income.
Why should I give support to HOPE worldwide?
One of our core values is to steward effectively the resources available to us. We adhere to a low-cost, effective use of funds to bring the most hope and change lives. Internationally, charities are often rated on the percentage of funds devoted to programs versus administration and fundraising. Historically, HOPE worldwide (Hong Kong)'s ratio of 80% to programs and 20% to administration and fundraising compares favourably to others in the industry.
Are donations to HOPE worldwide tax deductible?
Yes. We issue tax-deductible receipts for donations to our donors.
How do I know my donations are going to where you say they are going?
HOPE worldwide believes that all charities are accountable to the public for the use of their funds. That's why we follow accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong, are audited annually by a reputable local firm, and follow the "Pledge on Donors' Rights" advocated by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
|
|
|
