HONG KONG (SE): Caritas-Hong Kong concluded its 2024 fundraising campaign with a closing ceremony on May 9 at the Caritas Community Hall on Caine Road. The campaign raised a total of HK$46.36 million, a remarkable achievement made possible through the generous support of parishes, Catholic schools, volunteers, and the wider community.
Funds were collected through a variety of activities, including the sale of Caritas raffle tickets, a charity bazaar held last November, and a walkathon in Sha Tin in March.
Jimmy Jim Wai-kee, chairman of the Caritas Fundraising Committee and former managing executive officer of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China [Asia], highlighted the challenge of raising such a sum amid a difficult economic climate. Having served the committee for over 20 years, Jim expressed his desire to continue collaborating with Caritas to “fulfill its mission and serve with love.”
Jim also presented the official fundraising report to Father David Chan, the diocesan procurator.
More than 50 awards for outstanding contributions from parishes, schools, and Catholic organisations, were presented during the ceremony by Father Chan, alongside Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, chief executive of Caritas-Hong Kong; Father Dominique Mukonda Kananga, deputy chief executive; Jim, and various sponsors.
Among the youngest recipients were children from Caritas Ling Yuet Sin Kindergarten in Pokfulam, who took part in the walkathon.
Speaking to the Sunday Examiner, one parent C.Y. Ip shared how the experience helped foster independence among the children. “They completed the journey by encouraging one another, without relying on their parents,” he said. He added that the event had become a cherished memory as his daughter graduates from the kindergarten.
St. Jude’s Parish in North Point was recognised as one of the top fundraising parishes in the charity bazaar. Maisie Yeung, vice-chairperson of the parish council, and Chloe Cho, youth group coordinator, shared how the parish gave young people the opportunity to lead the event for the first time.
“Despite a shortage of manpower, different parish groups worked closely together and showed strong team spirit,” they said, noting the active participation and encouragement from the parish priests.
The event also featured a video showcase of highlights from the year’s fundraising activities, as well as a nostalgic exhibition of historical photographs of Caritas events dating back to the 1960s.
In his closing prayer, Father Chan expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generosity and support shown over the past year towards the services of Caritas. He offered a special prayer for the elderly and those in distress, underscoring Caritas’s ongoing mission of service rooted in compassion and faith.
