HONG KONG (SE): The charity concert, “Rhythm of Love—Precious Blood Hospital [Caritas] Charity Concert”, took place on March 6 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Organised by Caritas-Hong Kong and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Northwest, the event’s proceeds will support Precious Blood Hospital [Caritas] and contribute to its ongoing development, enabling it to continue providing affordable medical services to the wider public.
In his opening address, Dr. Joseph Lui Cho-ze, medical superintendent of the Precious Blood Hospital, thanked the Rotary Club, donors and all contributors for making the concert a success. He explained that, after expenses, donations would be used to replace or acquire advanced medical equipment, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes. He emphasised that the event also raised awareness of community support for affordable healthcare and boosted the morale of the hospital’s medical staff.
Vincent Lee Po-hong, president of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Northwest, later received a souvenir from Dr. Lui—a dried-flower artwork crafted by users of Caritas rehabilitation services. The piece symbolically features musical notes formed from dried flowers, representing love and hope transformed into melody.
Lee said that every contribution would go directly to the Precious Blood Hospital, highlighting its longstanding service to the Sham Shui Po community and the importance of ongoing community support.
Prior to the concert, Lui noted that the fundraising effort was not solely about raising money. Rather, its primary aim was to affirm community support for the hospital’s mission and to reinforce the confidence of its staff.
“In a market with long waiting times at public hospitals, offering a reliable and affordable private healthcare option is our core value,” he said. “This approach will help ease the burden on the public healthcare system, benefiting both patients and society as a whole.”
He added that many of the hospital’s medical devices—such as CT scanners and MRI machines—require upgrading due to the facility’s lengthy operational history. The hospital also plans to acquire new equipment, including ultrasound machines and surgical instruments, to better serve patients.
Lui said the hospital would announce the final fundraising results at a later date. While the amount raised is significant, he noted that the high cost of advanced medical equipment means the campaign has not yet reached its target, emphasising the need for continued donations.
Among those attending the concert were Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, chief executive of Caritas Hong Kong; Father Dominique Mukonda and Father Peter Lo Pak-wing, deputy chief executives; vicars general, Father Peter Choy Wai-man, Father Paul Kam Po-wai and Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu; religious sisters; and representatives of supporting organisations.
Father Mukonda said the impact of the concert extended beyond financial contributions. “Its true value is in assisting the brothers and sisters in need whom the hospital serves,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of glorifying God through concrete actions, noting that supporting charitable efforts is a quiet yet profound way of proclaiming the Gospel and expressing the spirit of almsgiving during Lent.
In a market with long waiting times at public hospitals, offering a reliable and affordable private healthcare option is our core value,
Dr. Joseph Lui Cho-ze
The Precious Blood Hospital was founded by the Sisters of the Precious Blood and officially began providing medical services in July 1937. For nearly a century, it has served the Sham Shui Po district, offering a wide range of care to those in need. In 2017, part of the hospital complex was designated a Grade III historic building by the Hong Kong government, recognising its significant historical role in the community’s development.
In 1993, the Sisters of the Precious Blood transferred management of the hospital to Caritas Hong Kong, after which it was renamed Precious Blood Hospital [Caritas]. As demand for medical care has increased, Caritas Hong Kong has invested significant resources to enhance the hospital’s offerings. The hospital has also strengthened collaboration with the government and medical institutions through various public-private partnership programmes, enabling it to serve more patients in need.
As a non-profit private hospital, it has also established a medical charity fund to support economically disadvantaged patients, enabling them to access timely treatment and surgery.
The concert featured performances by renowned singer Albert Au, alongside Stacey Long, Ramon Lo, and other winners from TVB’s Midlife, Sing & Shine!. The 2,500 attendees waved colourful light sticks in support of the performers and the healthcare services provided by Caritas.
