The holiday season is fast approaching and that can mean a cheerful and joyous time with your closest friends and family. However, this time of year can be difficult for many less fortunate people in Hong Kong. For those of you who are looking to help those in need and bring some holiday cheer, here are Playtime’s recommendations for charities that could benefit from your valuable time this Christmas
Where to Volunteer This Year:
Santa Project: SoCO
Every Christmas season, SoCO runs its Santa Project for needy grassroots children across Hong Kong. Delivering presents and holiday cheer to help these less-than-fortunate children with the cold holidays ahead; providing them with, blankets, bags, school supplies, and clothes. SoCO is always looking for volunteers and donations to better the lives of children in need.
Contact: Email: [email protected]; Tel: (852) 2713 9165
Website: www.soco.org.hk/en/santa-project
Angels for Children Secret Santa
The Angels For Children Secret Santa is an annual Christmas gift drive for the residential children of Po Leung Kuk’s small group homes and Society for Community Organization (SoCO) supported children living below the poverty line.
Started in 2014, this was the first time PLK and SoCO children could request a specific Christmas gift from “Santa”. Angels For Children collects this Christmas wish list each year and puts it out to donors and the wider community to fulfil it. The gifts are then delivered to the children over the holiday season.
Join the 2023 Christmas Gift Drive. You can choose to donate a gift from the list, or make a donation for either book tokens, shoes or a gift.
Contact: Tel: (852) 9495 1408
Website: www.angels-for-children.org
Box of Hope
A great opportunity to get the whole family volunteering and helping out with their Children Helping Children Campaign. You can build a box yourself to donate. Or rally members of your community to pitch in and put a smile on a child’s face for Christmas. Additionally, box of Hope are always looking for people willing to donate what they can.
Contact: Email: [email protected]
Website: www.boxofhope.org
ImpactHK
ImpactHK has been one of the biggest helping hands to the homeless community in Hong Kong since its founding in 2017. As the weather gets colder and harsher, it becomes increasingly difficult and dangerous for the homeless to be on the streets. If you have time to spare, a willingness to donate, or plans for a fundraiser, ImpactHK will be grateful for your contribution
Contact: Tel: 2448 0011
Website: www.impacthk.org/get-involved
Sai Kung Stray Friends
The New Territories gets exceptionally cold at this time of year, especially due to its distance from the inner city. Sai Kung Stray Friends provides a warmer and safe shelter for Hong Kong’s less fortunate canine buddies. If you have toys, blankets, food or time to donate to the puppies at SKSF, it may make their winter nights all the more bearable.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.saikungstrayfriends.com
HandsOn Hong Kong
HandsOn Hong Kong is a fantastic organisation. They really want to provide a unique and memorable experience for those in need. If you have a special skill or have time to spare, HandsOn Hong Kong runs many winter camps. They have openings for children and provides resources and company to the increasing elderly population.
Contact: Email: [email protected]; Tel: (852) 2481 8092
Website: www.handsonhongkong.org
You might also be interested in:
51 Volunteer Opportunities in Hong Kong
Family Fun and Charity Runs in Hong Kong this Autumn and Winter 2023
Images: Main images courtesy of Angels For Children; first image: SOCO; second image: Box of Hope; third image: Impact Hong Kong; fourth image: Sai Kung Stray Friends: fifth image: Hands on Hong Kong
