When we participate in a volunteer activity together, I hope my kids will understand that it is a blessing to be able to help others.
“Act now and serve.”
This has always been the motto of Maxim’s Care Ambassadors. Some members have been with them for a decade, witnessing every milestone along the way. There is also a six-year-old member who joined in his mother’s footsteps.
Kennis Hung joined Maxim’s Group 31 years ago, and is now a District Manager responsible for Arome Bakery’s district operations. But she also has another role as a veteran member of Maxim’s volunteer team: from Bread Rescue and Kiddy Heart Canteen to Silver Hair Kitchen and A Drop of Life, she has participated in nearly every volunteer event in the past decade. “My team and I are inspired when helping others. The power of an individual is limited.”
In that spirit, Kennis decided to introduce her son and daughter – now six- and 13- year-old, respectively – to voluntary work as well. Her son was actually less than a year old when he joined his first event: “My favourite activity is singing and dancing,” he said. “It makes everyone happy.” Though he didn’t fully understand them at the beginning, the events did stir his desire to help – a vivid example of “passing the baton”, the participation plays a big part in his self-growth.
Sitting next to her younger brother, Kennis’ daughter said, “As volunteers, we are rewarded by each other’s sincerity and kindness. It’s more like meeting new friends than working as a volunteer.”
What touches Kennis most is that voluntary work is an experience of interaction. “Elderly persons who live alone may not actually need material aid, but just more care. We hope to bring them smiles! I hope my kids will understand that it is a blessing to be able to help others.”
Oliver Choi is a Finance student at the City University of Hong Kong. While busy with his college life, his concern about the lives of the less fortunate motivated him to become a young member of the volunteer team. His commitment runs deep.
“When I was studying for a Higher Diploma, a teacher called Mr Wang gave me many opportunities in voluntary work. During that time, I learned skills such as coordination and recruiting – for example, it is particularly effective to reach young people and students through social media channels such as Instagram.” Last summer, Oliver joined Maxim’s Group as a summer intern, and it was only natural for this passionate young man to join Maxim’s Care Ambassadors.
“I was responsible for organising Bread Rescue, where we delivered surplus bread to NGOs. It was only then I realised if we had done nothing, it would have all gone to waste.” The experience drove him to do more volunteer work. “Hong Kong is a prosperous city, but many people in need are being neglected.”
It’s been 10 years since Maxim’s Care Ambassadors team began its journey. They will keep on passing the torch in the future, lighting their way along the path of benevolence.
