Hong Kong Living Influencer Awards 2020: Charity

Charity work is essential to help our society achieve a sense of balance. The ultimate act of selflessness is helping others whilst expecting nothing in return. Here are the individuals who are offering a helping hand to those in need.

Read more: 6 Hong Kong philanthropists who are transforming the city

Gabrielle Kirstein, founder and CEO of Feeding Hong Kong

Feeding Hong Kong has supported over 10 million meals for vulnerable people across the city since the charity began in 2011. After starting life in the advertising business in London, founder and CEO Gabrielle Kirstein moved to Hong Kong during the SARS outbreak in 2003 and set up the charity eight years later, after being appalled by the sheer amount of food wastage. 

This year has been their most challenging, but rewarding one yet. The Covid-19 outbreak saw many people go hungry after losing their job or having a reduced income. “The need for food assistance has never been more vital,” Kirstein says. “Some 1.4 million people in Hong Kong live in poverty and Covid-19 has only exacerbated the situation and pushed many from just getting by to struggling to get by. This drove the decision to keep our foodbank open throughout the pandemic and to pivot our operations to ensure we could continue supporting those most in need.

“I’m grateful for my foodbanking friends around the world, in particular those in the region. Our AsiaPac WhatsApp group has been a cherished source of motivation, inspiration and support. Personally, my friends and family remain a constant source of support.”

As the Christmas months approach, there is still plenty of work to be done. Feeding Hong Kong is always looking for volunteers or food donations to keep Hongkongers fed and food waste down. 

Andy Cornish, leader of WWF global shark conservation programme ‘Restoring the Balance’

As the head of WWF’s global shark and ray conservation programme, Andy Cornish has played a vital role in improving fisheries management and managing unsustainable consumption across Asia. Some of his highlights include working on the WWF ‘Save Our Seas’ campaign, which resulted in the ban of all trawling in Hong Kong waters in 2012. As well as his most recent role as leader of WWF’s global shark conservation programme ‘Restoring the Balance’.

Raised in Hong Kong, Cornish was one of the first diving scientists studying fish in the city, he recorded over 100 new species of fish, “Hong Kong lies on the fringes of the Coral Triangle, so there is a surprisingly rich marine biodiversity.” Cornish’s role has taken him across 20 countries, but he now resides in rural Lantau, surrounded by greenery and wildlife with his two-year-old son. “Living away from the city has been a great way to step away from the rollercoaster,” he says. While Hong Kong’s marine life is slowly improving, Cornish states, “I always tell people, if you want to see what ground zero is like for sharks, come here.”

Yeone Fok, founder of SparkRaise

Multiculturalism is something that has been ingrained in Yeone Fok from a young age. By the time she was old enough to ride a bike, she had lived in the US, Japan, Beijing and Hong Kong. This early exposure to different cultures, lifestyles and perspectives gave her a window into the diversity as well as similarities of the world.

In 2015, she turned her attention to fundraising, supporting innovation and social good. “I wanted to create something that offered an opportunity for people to gain support for their initiatives, irrespective of their background,” she says. “Crowdfunding offered a transparent and community-driven approach while levelling the playing field, and thus fundraising platform SparkRaise.com was born.” Since its founding, SparkRaise has worked with a diversity of projects, including Hong Kong’s largest indie band made up of Hong Kong Philharmonic musicians, a hydroponics unit supporting urban farming, a miniature 3D printing kit made of e-waste and more.

Going forward, Fok hopes to keep giving back. “Acts of kindness and conscious behaviour, no matter how small, can contribute to positive outcomes. Whether you give or spend your resources or volunteer your time, consider giving consistently and regularly to help organisations become more sustainable.” she added.

Check out the full list of Hong Kong Living Influencer Award finalists here