HONG KONG (SE): Camay Lam, a cancer patient, is teaming up with Father Nicolas de Francqueville of the Holy Redeemer Church this Chinese New Year to raise funds for charity projects for the needy.
“Time in our lives is a gift from God which we should make good use of,” she said, having chosen to devote her time to charity projects for the needy by designing Chinese New Year envelopes for charity sales.
Lam’s Chinese New Year envelopes carry the Chinese calligraphy of Father Francqueville of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Her charity sale is promoted through the Footprint of Grace, a Facebook page set up with the support of her friends last year.
Father Francqueville says the characters 틱갛毆樂 [Peace and Joy] “is a simple greeting for the Chinese New Year. But at the time of the pandemic, peace and joy in the heart is especially necessary”.
Lam says, “Peace and joy is the most important thing for everyone, and this is what cancer patients and I have realised after we get sick. The floral patterns on the envelopes are symbols of happiness and colourful life. I am grateful to God for giving me strength to help others even though I am physically weak.”
Lam met Father Francqueville in early 2021 after the Art for God auction when she bought a piece of Chinese calligraphy made by the priest and contacted him to express her appreciation.
The special envelopes have been available since January 16 and are on sale until January 30 at the Holy Redeemer Parish, Tuen Mun. One set, which includes 20 envelopes in four designs, is on sale for $100. On January 30, the envelopes will also be available at St. Cosmas and Damian Parish, Tsuen Wan.
I hope it can encourage those who are sick or in trouble to remember to follow the footprints of God in good times and in bad times. And to help people live a richer life
Camay Lam
The funds raised, without deducting costs, will be used to support the youth community work of the Paris Foreign Missions in Laos. Father Francqueville said that his fellow missionaries there are dedicated to their service but are short of funds.
Father Francqueville said the sales were affected by the suspension of Masses as not many parishioners came to church. However, the response from those who came was good and that he has even received orders from other parishes. Around 500 sets of envelopes out of 700 were already sold out by January 23.
The Footprint of Grace was established on March 19 last year on Lam’s birthday. She hopes that through the Facebook page, she can spread the love of God with postings and the sales of charity products.
“I hope it can encourage those who are sick or in trouble to remember to follow the footprints of God in good times and in bad times. And to help people live a richer life,” she said. The products sold are mainly designed by Lam and the total revenue will be donated to the needy.
In early January, a batch of envelopes was donated to Mercy Hong Kong, the charity organisation established by Oblate Father John Wotherspoon to help the homeless. Three hundred sets were sold out within a week through online orders.
Lam has had 52 chemotherapy treatments beginning two years ago and the side effects have caused a lot of physical suffering. A month ago, she began undergoing targeted therapy and taking oral medicine which has fewer side effects. However, she was told in her latest follow-up appointments that her cancer index was higher than expected.
“But I have a peaceful heart because I know the Lord will have his will and I will continue to wait patiently. The most important thing now is to do my part and continue to do more evangelisation work!” she said.
Doing artwork relieves her of pressure from her health problems and helps her spiritually. “When I am drawing or painting, I am concentrated on thinking what God wants me to express. And I feel closer to him,” she said.
