Got some spare time on your hands and want to put it to good use for a worthwhile cause? Take a look at our rundown of great volunteering opportunities in Hong Kong.
#1 Pathfinders
This charity aims to help domestic workers who become pregnant and have their work contracts unlawfully terminated by employers. Pathfinders helps by assisting with visa status, options for returning home and adoption choices, and it welcomes volunteers.
pathfinders.org.hk
#2 Crossroads Foundation
This HongKong-based charity links those in need with those who can help. It offers several worthwhile services including distributing Hong Kong’s quality excess goods to those in need globally as well as selling fair trade goods from people in poverty.
crossroads.org.hk
#3 Hong Kong Dog Rescue
Hong Kong Dog Rescue was founded in 2003 and has re-homed more than 7,500 dogs. It usually requires volunteers to help with dog walking.
hongkongdogrescue.com
#4 Bring Me A Book
Hong Kong has one of the lowest rates of family literacy in the world and this organisation aims to improve this with volunteer programmes such as becoming a trained storyteller for storytelling sessions at community centres and libraries.
bringmeabook.org.hk
#5 Po Leung Kuk
Po Leung Kuk provides social services to families and children. Volunteers are always needed for its kindgartens/nurseries, the Po Leung Kuk Museum, the Elderly Home and in other areas.
poleungkuk.org.hk
#6 Vision First
This independent, Hong Kong-based NGO provides services, advice and information to refugees seeking protection in the city. It also campaigns for rights, advocates for fair treatment and raises awareness of issues. Volunteers contribute according to personal skills, interest, ability and time.
vfnow.org
#7 Food Angel
This food rescue and assistance programme was founded in 2009. The aim of the charity is to reduce food waste and help families in need. It is always looking for helpers to assist with food collection, preparation and distribution. Download a volunteering form from the website.
foodangel.org.hk
#8 Changing Young Lives Foundation
The city has 380,000 children living in poverty. Many of these youngsters have not been identified and are forgotten. Changing Young Lives provides health, welfare, educational and recreational programmes for these children. Volunteering assistance is welcome.
changingyounglives.org.hk
#9 HandsOn Hong Kong
Founded in 2007, HandsOn Hong Kong is a registered charity dedicated to community-based volunteerism. It actively recruits and trains volunteers for community projects from visiting the elderly to helping with preparations for large-scale charity events.
handsonhongkong.org
#10 One Sky
In 1997, Jenny and Richard Bowen adopted a toddler from a welfare institution in southern China. From that day, they received a harsh, first-hand education about the harmful effects of institutionalising small children: their little girl suffered from severe delays and, most worrisome, she was emotionally shut down. After one year of care and loving attention they realised how easy it was to make a difference and decided to launch a charity to do the same for many others. They are always looking for help with volunteering for events, fundraising and more.
onesky.org
#11 Hong Kong Cleanup
This group has coordinated community clean-ups and other educational activities in Hong Kong since 2000. Open to the general public, it hosts the Annual Cleanup Challenge along with specific event events for community and corporate groups.
hkcleanup.org
#12 EcoDrive
EcoDrive promotes the awareness and reduction of single use plastic in Hong Kong through education, connecting with corporates, and providing possible solutions.
ecodrivehk.com
#13 Mother’s Choice
Founded in 1987 by a small group of people concerned about the plight of Hong Kong’s single women and their children, Mother’s Choice has since provided loving and nurturing care for thousands of children needing permanent homes and helped single girls facing crisis pregnancies.
motherschoice.org
#14 Mind Hong Kong
This is a charitable initiative formed out of the Patient Care Foundation. It’s committed to improving and awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong.
mind.org.hk
#15 World Wide Fund For Nature Hong Kong
The Hong Kong chapter of this global group upholds the mission to look at the impact of people on the environment. It welcomes volunteers in different areas, from office assistance to fundraising and fieldwork.
wwf.org.hk
Tips from our readers: “Do you support a charity or volunteer in Hong Kong?”
“I volunteer for HK Paws (hkpaws.org), a non-profit charity that helps dogs and cats that are abused, abandoned or strays. My partner and I have fostered eight puppies over the past year and we ended up adopting our last one. (It was hard not adopting them all, to be honest!) It’s so fulfilling helping these beautiful, innocent creatures; I implore everyone to definitely adopt, do not shop. “– Cici
“I participate in beach clean-ups, which is something that is close to my heart. But there are lots of hugely impressive charities with which to get involved, and which provide some very essential services and funding.” – Ross
“I love how active the HK expat community is in supporting various causes. This year, our family will be supporting Box of Hope (boxofhope.org), which provides educational gifts to underprivileged children in Hong Kong and Asia. Together with your child, you fill old shoe boxes with new educational toys and then you drop the boxes off at a collection point. My daughter is now old enough to understand the Box of Hope concept and I’m really looking forward to doing this together with her and teaching her the value of giving.” – Julie
“We have four cats – one rescued on the street and three adopted from LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection Charity: lap.org.hk). Please adopt, don’t shop, and consider a donation to LAP or another animal shelter; they do amazing work. I’ve had cats all my life; they are great stress relievers and, if you find the right one, a faithful friend.” – Ruth
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2020 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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