The global headquarters of GX Foundation swung open to the public for the first time on Sunday, attracting around 1,000 guests to discover a unique blend of history and humanitarian work in a Grade 2 historic building in Sai Ying Pun.
Hong Kong former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, founder of the foundation, noted that public participation exceeded expectations and confirmed that more public tours would be arranged in the future.
The open house event featured two guided tour sessions at 1pm and 3pm, each lasting approximately 30 minutes and accommodating about 50 to 80 participants.
Completed in 1921, the 104-year-old building on Hospital Road was originally constructed in response to a plague outbreak in the 19th century, later serving as a dormitory for street cleaners.
The site was granted to the foundation by the government in July under a private agreement at a "symbolic land price" of HK$1,000.
During the tours, guides highlighted both the building's architectural features and restoration challenges, including the careful restoration of three wooden arched doorways and the preservation of original elements like public toilets.
Beyond history and architecture, the event also showcased educational booths focused on promoting dengue fever prevention, clean water access, and cataract awareness.
Additionally, visitors had the chance to sample coffee sourced from countries where the foundation runs aid programs.
One visitor, Lo, an engineer with a passion for heritage, described the open day as a “rare opportunity” to explore historical buildings and expressed hope for more similar events in the future.
Another parent, Chu, brought his two primary school children to help them understand the challenges of humanitarian aid.
“Through games like simulating cataract surgery, I hope they can better grasp the difficulties the patients face,” he said.
Since its establishment in 2018, GX foundation has been providing humanitarian assistance in the medical and public health sectors to Belt and Road partners countries.
The organization has facilitated over 25,000 free cataract surgeries and implemented infectious disease prevention with initiatives across 10 countries, including Honduras, Fiji, Laos, Cambodia, and Djibouti.
