Family Volunteering Opportunities: Lending a Hand in Hong Kong

The start of a new year is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf and get involved with our community, whether you’re young (or not-so-young!) We’ve got the details on just some of Hong Kong’s voluntary organisations that the whole family can get involved with in 2013.

The Child Welfare Scheme’s ‘Amazing Race’ themed City Challenge takes place on 2nd March 2013, taking in all of Hong Kong’s hidden nooks and crannies. Working in teams, participants aged 12 and up can put their knowledge, communication and navigation skills to the test to complete this citywide scavenger hunt. Sponsorship raised goes towards helping children in Nepal to access education, health care opportunities to change their own lives, and there will be prizes for the top fundraising team on the day.

Raising money for World Cancer Research Fund Hong Kong, the 8th ‘Beat the Banana!’ Charity Run takes place on Sunday, 17 March 2013 at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. This fun run sees participants chase a life-sized banana with the aim of beating it across the finish line! There’s adult and child race categories, and for the first time ever, local children can compete to become ‘Banana Kid’ for the day, leading the children’s’ 1km race in full fruity regalia! Nominations for the honour have now closed, but kids can get involved by voting for the lucky winner via WCRF HK’s Facebook app. Lace up those trainers and check out the registration details here.

Still got energy to burn? We salute you (and envy you a little bit too!) Hong Kong Dog Rescue welcomes volunteer dog walkers aged 16 plus at their Tai Po and Ap Lei Chau centres. HKDR also work alongside schools and community groups to provide volunteering opportunities for kids ages 8 plus. Email [email protected] for more information about their upcoming programmes.

If you didn’t make it to the 4th Annual Childrens Charity Carnival last Sunday, January 20, you missed out on a great day! What you didn’t miss, however, is the chance for your kids to get involved with some inspiring and worthwhile charities on a longer-term basis. Children who couldn’t make the event are still encouraged to choose to support an organisation close to their hearts, and the Carnival’s organisers are happy to make the relevant introductions.  You can email [email protected] for more information on giving post-event support.

Here at Sassy Mama, we love Hands on Hong Kong (check out our interview with founder Shaun right here!) This organisation works with charities across the city to match would-be volunteers with partner charities, and their range of categories is just perfect for those looking for inspiration for family volunteering opportunities.

You can support all these causes by getting your invites from Twopresents the next time you throw a fab party. It’s a great online invitation service with a charitable giving side as HandsOn Hong Kong & Hong Kong Dog Rescue as their beneficiaries.

Providing invaluable peer support for Hong Kong teens going through tough times, Kely Support Group’s helpline gives troubled youngsters a safe place to discuss their issues with others of the same age. Contactable by phone at 2338 5777 or email at [email protected], this bilingual support service is non-judgmental and totally confidential. Teens who are interested in volunteering for Kely can find out more via their website.