HONG KONG (SE): The Caritas Bazaar season continued on November 10, attracting large crowds at Fa Hui Park in Kowloon. The event was inaugurated by Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong, alongside Lam Ching-choi, a member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong SAR government, and Flora Leung, the head of the Retail Banking & Wealth Management Department at ICBC [Asia] Limited and the chairperson of the Caritas Fund Raising Committee.
They were joined by Joseph Hui and Andrew Chan, advisers of Friends of Caritas, Justin Lai, the vice chairperson of Friends of Caritas, and Father Joseph Yim, the chief executive of Caritas-Hong Kong.
Cardinal Stephen noted that organising a large-scale bazaar is not an easy task, as gathering goods and funds has become more challenging than ever. However, he emphasised that this situation highlights the ongoing need for support and care for many grassroots communities. He urged that we must accompany them in overcoming the difficulties and obstacles they face through both words and actions.
The cardinal also expressed gratitude to the sponsors, advisors, parishioners, Catholic schools, and organisations for their long-term support of Caritas. He acknowledged their collective efforts in spreading hope and inspiration. He hoped that everyone would enjoy the bazaar and experience a sense of togetherness.
At the booth of Christ the Worker Parish in Ngau Tau Kok, parish priest Father Mechelle Reginio reminisced about the bustling crowds at the bazaars before the Covid pandemic, noting that restrictions during the pandemic led to smaller, mini-bazaars. However, full-scale events finally resumed in 2023. “It’s not as crowded as it was before Covid, but I’m hopeful,” he said.
The bazaar at Fa Hui Park featured 97 participating units and 236 booths. It included a charity sale of various items, fun and entertaining games, a children’s playground, and a variety of delicious snacks for people of all ages. A concurrent bazaar was also held at Pak Tai Temple Playground on Cheung Chau.
The Caritas Bazaar season concluded on September 17, with two bazaars taking place at Tsuen Wan Sha Tsui Road Playground and Sha Tin Yuen Wo Playground.
