Young Volunteers Host 10,000 at HKFYG’s NEIGHBOURHOOD First Reunion Lunch

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG)’s “NEIGHBOURHOOD First” Community Project launched its citywide reunion lunch today (7 February). The youth-led initiative mobilised nearly 2,000 young volunteers to bring together 10,000 residents across 18 districts to celebrate the Year of the Horse simultaneously.

The main event held for residents of Yuen Long and Tuen Mun was officiated by Guest of Honour, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen. Also in attendance were Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General, Youth Department, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Ho Kai-ming, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Chan Tsz-tat, Commissioner of Customs and Excise; Members of the Legislative Council Lee Kwong-yu, Alex Fan Hoi-kit, Chong Ho-fung and Lau Ka-keung; Lam Man-han, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Regional Commander, New Territories North; HKFYG’s President Kenneth Chen Wei-on and Executive Director Hsu Siu-man, who joined volunteers and participants in the festivities.

“The long-running, youth-led ‘NEIGHBOURHOOD First’ Community Project has served 210,000 people over the years,” said Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG. “This year, under the theme ‘Intergeneration Co-creation,’ we will deepen our efforts to connect generations across the community. In an ageing society, we see ourselves and the young people we serve as not only helpers, carers and companions, but also as bridges between generations and advocates for a more inclusive community.” She added that the Federation will continue to work with partners to empower young people to bridge generations and build neighbourhoods for a more vibrant and sustainable future.

Throughout the reunion lunch, young volunteers were stationed at every table, spreading care, hope and wishes for the New Year. They also assisted with food waste handling and recycling as part of the event’s sustainability and circularity measures.

Volunteer representative Minnie Wong Man-kee, Chairperson of the “NEIGHBOURHOOD First” Youth Roundtable, reflected on her year of service: “Coordinating the reunion lunch and taking part in home visits and rice-giving activities have taught me a great deal. Neighbours have trusted, guided and encouraged us, sharing their life stories and practical advice. These are lessons not typically taught in the classroom and are what makes volunteering meaningful.”

The HKFYG’s “NEIGHBOURHOOD First” Community Project is a youth-driven community care movement. Over 3,000 young people aged 14 to 35 have formed some 100 “Neighbourhood Teams” across Hong Kong. Since 2011, the project has organised the annual “NEIGHBOURHOOD First” Reunion Lunch ahead of the Lunar New Year, bringing neighbours together to share good wishes and strengthen community ties.

For more programme details, visit neighbourhoodfirst.hkfyg.org.hk.

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