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.
Bring Me A Book
Hong Kong has one of the lowest rates of family literacy (where parents and children read and learn together) in the world and this organisation aims to improve this. Volunteers become trained storytellers and visit community centres and libraries.
Changing Young Lives Foundation
The city has many thousands of children living in poverty, and many of these youngsters have not been identified and are forgotten. This foundation provides health, welfare, educational and recreational programmes for these children.
Crossroads Foundation
This charity links those in need with those who can help. It offers several worthwhile services including distributing quality excess goods in Hong Kong to those in need globally, as well as selling fair trade goods made by people in poverty.
EcoDrive
EcoDrive promotes the awareness and reduction of single use plastic in Hong Kong through education, connecting with corporates, and providing possible solutions.
Food Angel
A food rescue and assistance programme founded in 2009, the charity aims to reduce food waste and help families in need. It’s always looking for helpers with food collection, preparation and distribution.
Handson Hong Kong
Founded in 2007, this registered charity actively recruits and trains volunteers for community projects, from visiting the elderly to helping with preparations for large-scale charity events.
Hong Kong Cleanup
This group has held coordinated community cleanups and other educational activities since 2000. Open to the general public, it hosts the Annual Cleanup Challenge along with specific events for community and corporate groups.
Hong Kong Dog Rescue
HKDR was founded in 2003 and has re-homed more than 9,500 dogs. It usually requires volunteers to help with dog walking.
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.
Mother’s Choice
Founded in 1987 from a concern 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.
One Sky
When Jenny and Richard Bowen adopted a toddler from a welfare institution in China, they saw first-hand the effects of institutionalising small children: their little girl suffered delays and was emotionally shut down. After a year of care and love, they realised how easy it was to make a difference, so they launched a charity to do the same for others.
Pathfinders
This charity aims to help domestic workers who become pregnant and have their work contracts unlawfully terminated. Pathfinders helps by assisting with visa status, options for returning home and adoption choices, and it welcomes volunteers.
Po Leung Kuk
Po Leung Kuk provides social services to families and children. Volunteers are always needed for its kindergartens and nurseries, the Po Leung Kuk Museum, the Elderly Home and in other areas.
Vision First
This independent, HK-based NGO provides services 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 skills, interest, ability and time.
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.
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2021/22 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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