Sponsors go all out for children

Henry Siu

Children in Hong Kong should appreciate their advantages in resources compared to those in less developed countries, said two child sponsors.

Kenny Fong Chi-kong and Jacqueline Lee Yuen-kwan, who do so through World Vision's child sponsorship program, urged more people to support the underprivileged.

Fong, who sponsors a child in Bangladesh, said he was visiting the country in May when a typhoon struck.

The resilience of the local community to the severe weather event led him to realize it is more blessed to give than to receive.

In its aftermath, he donated zinc sheets to help people rebuild homes and was deeply moved by their gratitude in the face of such life-changing challenges.

"I witnessed firsthand the contrast between the fortunate circumstances that I and other Hongkongers enjoy and the hardships endured by Bangladeshi children ," Fong said. "In Hong Kong, we live in solid cement buildings, have access to quality food and clothing, and do not have to worry about our education."

Leaving a lasting impact on him during the World Vision tour was seeing a child of around seven or eight scavenging for food in a pile of garbage.

Lee, a sponsor for 25 years who currently supports nine children the world over, visited Cambodia last January, five years after her initial trip.

"Helping people goes beyond financial support; it's about understanding their true needs. For Cambodian children, receiving something as simple as a pencil brings them immense joy," she said.

Her 23-year-old daughter, inspired by her mother and seeing the fulfillment it brought her, is also sponsoring a child.

Donor services director Amenda Chu Kit-han said the monthly sponsorship fee is HK$270. Donors get photos, profiles and progress reports on how the child and their community are empowered and can communicate through letters and visits.