The NEIGHBOURHOOD First Reunion Lunch

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG)’s “The NEIGHBOURHOOD First” project organised “The NEIGHBOURHOOD First Reunion Lunch” with help from young volunteers across Hong Kong on 27 January. Nearly 900 young volunteers took on leading roles, inviting over 3,000 residents from various districts to celebrate the Chinese New Year together, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.

This year, the main event area was in Tseung Kwan O, where a “Lucky Wall” was set up to showcase the blessing of many young volunteers, with 3,880 wooden tangerines hung on the wall, symbolising “Good Luck.”

Officiating Guests, including Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin; Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun; Legislative Council Members, Stanley Li Sai-wing, Tik Chi-yuen, Lam Chun-Sing and Connie Lam So-wai; Level II Bureau Rank Official of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Cui Feng; Permanent Secretary for Housing and Director of Housing Rosanna Law Shuk-pui; Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching; Chairman of The Dragon Foundation and Council Member of the HKFYG Lester Huang; Senior Advisor of the HKFYG Dr Rosanna Wong, the Adviser to the Mainland Affairs Office of the HKFYG and a Member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Andy Ho Wing-cheong; President of the HKFYG Council Kenneth Chen Wei-on and Executive Director of the HKFYG Hsu Siu-man, as well as nearly 200 civil leaders, academics, and business representatives, attended the event to share the Chinese New Year meal with the youth and residents.

Hsu Siu-man stated that “The NEIGHBOURHOOD First” is a community care initiative driven by young people, benefiting over 210,000 individuals. She emphasised the purpose was to embody the community spirit. “By taking an extra step, you see that neighbours are always there for you,” she said.  Using innovative approaches such as organising camping trips for the elderly, forming bands with the elderly, using VR technology to recreate the elderly’s past memories, and encouraging Special Educational Needs (SEN) primary school students to participate in art activities, Hsu Siu-man expressed her hope that “no matter what the age and the generation, working together brings the community closer and creates wonderful connections that makes everyone feel good.”

Every table at the “The NEIGHBOURHOOD First Reunion Lunch” had young volunteers hosting, spreading love and hope throughout the community to bring a fresh start to the New Year of the Dragon. In addition to greeting residents, they also assisted in handling food waste and recycling, contributing to the goal of resource sustainability.

Anson Wong, who has been volunteering in the HKFYG for 8 years, recently stepped down as the Chairperson of the “The NEIGHBOURHOOD First Youth Roundtable.” She recalled the most memorable volunteer training organised last year. “We had team-building activities for nearly 60 volunteers, so we could better understand the service experiences in different districts. I really believe that this process helped with my personal growth and made me a better volunteer leader. Because of “The NEIGHBOURHOOD First”, I have been transformed from an introverted person to being more optimistic and proactive.”

Cheung Chun-hin from Tin Yiu Youth S.P.O.T. was happy that participating in “The NEIGHBOURHOOD First”, “took me out of the classroom and into the community. I once delivered lunch boxes to janitors, and was reminded by a social worker that this simple act showed that these people were not forgotten. The small gestures of volunteers bring positive energy into the community.”

“The NEIGHBOURHOOD First” Community Project, initiated by young people, currently has over 3,000 volunteers aged 14 to 35 who have formed 100 “Neighbourhood Teams” distributed across various districts in Hong Kong. It will continue to expand and grow, providing concrete services and promoting positive messages in different communities. The website neighbourhoodfirst.hkfyg.org.hk provides the latest information on different districts in Hong Kong, facilitating meaningful connections among neighbours.

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