Genki Sushi promotes the positive concept of ‘Kids helping Kids’ in the community

Genki Sushi is dedicated to the concept of ‘Kids helping Kids’ as they believe that children hold the future of our society. By donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its Kids Sushi Set to a non-profit organization, it aims to help nurture kids in need with learning opportunities. By involving children in simple acts of helping their peers, it instills in them an awareness of giving back to society, while providing more kids with broader STEAM knowledge outside their textbooks to unleash their potentials.

Since 2017, Genki Sushi has partnered with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups to support the ‘Learn with Fun’ program, bringing joyful learning experiences to kids in need. The program includes a series of workshops and STEAM activities to equip children with a positive mindset and develop an all-rounded personality. As of August 2023, the program has benefited over 10,950 children, organized more than 180 STEAM activities and workshops, inspiring creativity and developing future skills for the children.

In line with the global emphasis on sustainable development, Genki Sushi has organized farm visits for primary school children and other youth organizations, in collaboration with Hydrogro, a local hydroponic farm. The activities taught up to 300 participants the principles and techniques in hydroponic cultivation; they also took part in harvesting vegetables to take home. Additionally, they learned about the impact of climate change on agriculture and the environment, as well as the challenges posed by global food and water shortages, thereby deepening their knowledge on sustainable development.

With the aim of extending the impact to the broader community, Genki Sushi launched a new ‘Family Farm Kit’ for the first time in October. On purchasing a Kids Sushi Set, customers receive a planting kit containing red amaranth and purple pak choi seeds, along with coconut coir and a wooden spoon. This allows both parents and children to enjoy planting together using eco-friendly materials, while learning the basics of gardening at home. It helps them understand the significance of food conservation and environmental care, fostering awareness of environmental protection and facilitating the acquisition of STEAM knowledge.

JCR, the Japanese Chain Restaurants division under the Maxim’s Group, is committed to supporting the local ecosystem. It strives to fulfil its corporate social responsibility (CSR) through diverse and sustainable development initiatives in their daily operations, menu designs and staff development.

In April, JCR launched its first ‘Be Green, Live Green’ campaign, offering customers a ‘Green Choice’ menu with vegetarian ingredients at its various restaurants. This allows customers to try more ‘green’ and healthy dining options. The campaign was expanded in October with more dishes. Its employees also visited the O • PARK to learn about the progress of local food waste recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. The first-hand experience reinforces staff members’ awareness in supporting environmental protection and waste reduction in their daily work.

Besides partnering with Hydrogro, JCR also collaborates with other local organic farms to launch the ‘Organic Vegetable Co-op Program’. Each week, the company orders local organic vegetables for its employees, aiming to build a culture of green living. This initiative supports the local agricultural industry, provides healthier choices for employees, encourages a diet with more vegetables and less meat and effortlessly contributes to global conservation.

A spokesman for Maxim’s Group’s Japanese Chain Restaurants reiterates its dedication to organising even more sustainability activities to help spread this important message to the community at large: “Building on the success of our ‘Kids helping Kids’ concept, and the valuable experience gained, we believe future programs not only bring joyful learning experiences for children, but also nurture their sense of empathy for others from a young age. We look forward to collaborating with organisations with like-minded missions on these worthwhile CSR activities.”