Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you are doing currently?
Initially I was an infrastructure project business owner for over 20 years in Mainland China. After completing my masters degree in Canada, my professional work life has been based in Hong Kong. I see myself as a person with a multinational background who never wants to stop in one place or at a particular stage. I’m planning to temporarily retire for two years so that I can spend time picking up new knowledge through continuing studies and offering my services as a volunteer – pursuits I have long wished to engage in, but have been unable to due to my work.
What drives you to serve the community?
Having grown up in a very humble family with parents who struggled daily to make ends meet and feed 5 mouths, I always understand and feel the hardship that underprivileged people are facing. I believe the world will get better if those who are luckier and better off share their resources in the form of time, knowledge or skills to help those who are in need.
What do you believe is the impact of your volunteer work?
I believe my volunteer work can have a positive impact and will mobilize family and friends around me by showing how one can become much happier and be more fulfilled by giving. I hope to show that one’s excessive resources and wealth should be shared with others.
What advice would you have for someone looking to begin their volunteer journey?
I would suggest that a beginner join a digital platform such as HandsOn which offers a wide range of activities for volunteers to see what services are actually compatible and inspiring to them. Online volunteer scheduling is an effective way for individuals to plan time and try different categories of work.
Can you share an interesting story or touching moment you have had while volunteering with HandsOn?
One very interesting moment took place when I was delivering a hot meal to a male elder by foot on a rainy day. Drenched from the rain, I was greeted at the door with kind appreciation spoken in three languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and English! I guess he was not sure about my nationality, so made the effort to express his thanks in many ways. Another touching moment was at a class for young students with intellectual disabilities where one of the young girls held my hands for just brief moment to express her trust and appreciation for my help. At this moment it occurred to me that simple and direct emotional expression is increasingly uncommon amoung regular people but can only be found in those who are simple, kind and therefore not defensive. After the event, I felt there are too many walls and disguises amoung people nowadays, this is a thought I carried along in my mind for a long time after.
