HONG KONG (SE): The “Walk to Nurture Creation – 2025 Fundraising Walkathon,” held on February 23 in Tung Chung and organised by the Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building, has successfully reached its ambitious goal of HK$20 million. The fundraising target was met by March 7, marking a significant milestone for the diocese’s efforts to fund the construction of the new Visitation Church and the ongoing cemetery development projects.
Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, chairperson of the commission, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all benefactors for their generous contributions, especially in the face of ongoing global economic challenges. “This walkathon was a remarkable success, not only in the funds raised but also in the overwhelming participation of the faithful,” Father Chan remarked. Over 7,000 participants joined the event, reflecting the deep sense of mission and unity within the Catholic community.
Father Chan also highlighted the role of the newly introduced online donation platform, which significantly boosted public engagement. “The convenience of setting up personalised promotion pages, simple payment methods, and immediate receipts encouraged many to take part,” he noted. The online system alone raised over HK$6 million before closing on February 28.
In addition to these fundraising efforts, Father Chan acknowledged the generous support of offline donors, many of whom were moved by the diocese’s initiatives to address the shortage of burial spaces for the Catholic faithful. Since May last year, the diocese has introduced interment services for cremated ashes at St. Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery in Cheung Sha Wan. The “Garden of Hope,” a serene memorial garden within the cemetery, has already become the resting place for 85 departed faithful, with further applications in process. The garden is expected to be completed later this year.
The convenience of setting up personalised promotion pages, simple payment methods, and immediate receipts encouraged many to take part
Father Chan added that the diocese is exploring similar services in other Catholic cemeteries, pending donor support.
Looking ahead, Father Chan encouraged Catholics to continue their support through various channels, including regular monthly contributions, parish-based promotion activities, and legacy giving. “Every act of generosity, big or small, helps us build a living and vibrant Church,” he said.
Diocesan schools to host fundraising talent show and music marathon
The next major fundraising event, organised jointly by the Diocesan Fundraising Commission and the Catholic Diocesan Schools Council, is set to take place from March 22 and 23. Titled “Let Talent Shine: Fundraising Variety Show cum Music Marathon 2025,” the two-day event will be hosted at Bishop Walsh Catholic School in Kowloon Tong. More than 100 diocesan schools will participate, showcasing a wide range of student talents through performances in drama, orchestral music, singing, and dance.
“We all have talents bestowed upon us by God. Although different, they are gifts that we can share and celebrate together,” Father Chan said. The event aims to raise an additional HK$3 million, with support from sponsorships by parents, alumni, and advertisements in the event brochure.
Lam Chi-kong, chairperson of the Diocesan Schools Council, emphasised the importance of promoting students’ diverse talents as a means of fundraising. “In previous years, we focused on rope-skipping marathons, but today’s healthy lifestyles go beyond physical fitness to include creative pursuits like music and the arts,” he said. “These activities are essential for nurturing both the mental and emotional well-being of our young people.”
The variety show will feature both formal and casual segments, with tickets for formal performances priced at HK$100. Additionally, a live YouTube broadcast will allow supporters to view performances and make donations online in real time.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, along with Bishop Joseph Ha, ofm, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, and Father Chan, are scheduled to participate in various sessions of the event.
Lam said the target of the fundraising talent show is HK$3 million. Schools have already set up their promotional pages online. The Woo Foundation is sponsoring a fundraising event that will match donations made by 103 Diocesan schools, with each school receiving between HK$3,000 to HK$5,000. The total matching amount for the event is capped at HK$400,000.
Donation details can be found by scanning the QR code below:
