2400, 50, 900* 12-Feb-2010

2400 Volunteers, 50 Housing Estates, 900 Elderly


Volunteers for Seniors Day 2010 On Sunday, January 31, 2010, over 2,000 volunteers fanned out to over 50 public housing estates, some ready for a day of cleaning and painting, some trained in the knowledge of fall risk assessment, and all bearing gifts, including rice, cooking oil, dry noodles, and even a brand new quilt. On this Volunteers for Seniors Day, they brought warmth, love, and cheer to 900 single elderly all over Hong Kong.

Volunteers for Seniors Day 2010 is in its 14th year of serving elderly in Hong Kong
900 quilts were donated and given out
Children volunteers write New Year greetings to the elderly
Elderly are presented with a Lucky Bag filled with daily necessities
Ms. Eva Cheng, Chairman of the Housing Authority joins Volunteers for Seniors Day
Volunteer educates elderly about fall prevention


The day began with an opening ceremony at the Po On Road Playground in Cheung Sha Wan, attended by Ms. Eva Cheng, the Chairman of the Housing Authority, Dr. Leong Che-hung, Chairman of Elderly Commission, Steve Chin, Lead Evangelist, Hong Kong Church of Christ, and Dr. Jeff Wong, HOPE worldwide Board Chairman.


Young and Old, They all Came Many of the volunteers came out as a family. Some are three generations of volunteers. Some of these "elder volunteers" are well into their eighties. You could also see many baby strollers. Parents brought their babies, toddlers, pre-teens – all just to bring a smile to the elderly's faces. Who could resist kids?


Our Gratitude Goes To… Many thanks are in order. We are grateful to our co-organizer, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, for its continuing partnership, and the Hong Kong Church of Christ, who provide great numbers of volunteers year after year. A special thanks goes to our Jade Sponsor, State Street Bank, whose grant enables us to serve so many. Other sponsors include Yummy Piggy, AXA, Pressfield Co. Ltd, Heng Wah Decorations, and Yuen Yee Charity Foundation. These sponsors made either in-kind or financial donations for the Lucky Bags. We must admit, that sea of 900 quilts was pretty impressive!


Only the Beginning For 2010, this was just the beginning! HOPE worldwide's Seniors Programme continues throughout the year with Fall Prevention Assessment and Education, Elderly Caring Call, and Good Neighbour Volunteer.

Press coverage:
Sintao Daily
hkdailynews
Housing Authority
mymysinablog.com




*The numbers are the closest estimates.