Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, the longest-running shelter for distressed Asian migrant women in Hong Kong, is facing a funding crisis and launching a “Save Our Shelter (S.O.S.)” donation drive to raise HK$1 million to continue operations.
The shelter, which has provided food, accommodation, financial, case support, and medical assistance to over 600 women annually for 38 years, is facing a shortfall in anticipated grants and needs to secure funds to operate for the remainder of the year.
Executive Director Edwina Antonio emphasises the importance of community support, recalling the outpouring of assistance during the fifth wave of COVID-19 in 2022 to give financial support to the shelter.
She appealed to the public to donate, become regular pledgers, and spread awareness about the shelter’s vital work. At present, the shelter receives six to seven women seeking refuge in its shelters in Sheung Wan and on Jordan Road every week.
The donation drive started in early September and has reached around 40 per cent of its goal after a month.
The shelter urges for donations through various methods including online donations at https://donorbox.org/bh-raise-the-roof,
direct deposit to their
Hang Seng Bank account# 284-8-241309 or
HSBC accoun# 808-312649-292,
and cheques payable to The Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, Ltd.
