A warm, nourishing bowl of soup can be a soothing balm for the weary hearts of parents tending to their sick children. Recognizing this, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Star Avenue craft delectable homemade soups to bring heartfelt comfort to the families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
In the hectic pace of daily life, a warm bowl of soup can provide a fleeting moment of self-care and relaxation. Yet at Ronald McDonald House (RMH), parents caring for sick children are consumed by an endless cycle of hospital visits or meal preparation for their little ones. Amidst these demanding responsibilities, the parents often neglect their own basic needs, leaving them with no time to leisurely cook a nourishing meal for themselves.
Recognizing the plight of parents at RMH, the Rotary Club of Star Avenue (RCSA) volunteers have stepped up to support the “House Meal Program” program initiated by RMHC Hong Kong. The volunteers prepare nourishing and delectable soups and dishes, providing the families of sick children a moment of respite and comfort amidst their relentless caregiving duties.
Every Thursday, the RMH in Kwun Tong is filled with the tantalizing scent of homemade soup, courtesy of the RCSA volunteers. Behind each steaming bowl lies the meticulous preparation and culinary expertise of Pen and Martina, who arrive early to lovingly prepare the soup, and then wait for the other volunteers to arrive and serve the nourishing meals.
“The Rotary Club of Star Avenue has volunteered at Ronald McDonald House before, but this is the first time we’re making soup,” said Pen. To ensure the families receive a truly comforting meal, Pen recruited her friend Martina, a skilled home cook, to join the volunteer team. They meticulously prepare each batch of warm, delicious soup, infusing every bowl with their culinary expertise and heartfelt care. In doing so, they hope to convey the community’s compassion to the children and their parents through the nourishing, homemade fare.
To ensure the soup is truly nourishing, Martina and her husband dedicate their weekends to procuring the finest ingredients. “Since I retired, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, exploring the markets on Sundays,” Martina explained. Now that she has become a volunteer for the meal program, Martina relishes the opportunity to scour fresh produce markets in different neighborhoods. “We’re always on the hunt for the most high-quality ingredients to make our soups extra special,” Martina said with a smile.
Compared to the relentless demands faced by parents caring for their sick children, Pen and Martina consider their own contributions to be negligible. Yet, if a single bowl of warm, homemade soup can bring a moment of solace and a smile to these weary caregivers, they feel their efforts are more than worthwhile.
Sabina, the President of RCSA, is a steadfast supporter of this volunteer initiative. Every Thursday, she joins the team in the RMH kitchen, helping to prepare the meals and spending time with the resident families.
“I can only imagine the unimaginable challenges these caregivers face on a daily basis – the immense pressure and distress they must endure,” Sabina reflected. “We hope that by providing a nourishing meal and a compassionate presence, these parents will feel the support of our community during this difficult time.”
Sabina has been a dedicated volunteer for many years, and she deeply understands the importance of fostering close ties between diverse charitable organizations and NGOs within the community. The longstanding partnership between RMHC Hong Kong and RCSA is a shining example of this collaborative spirit.
“By facilitating information sharing and the exchange of experiences, this alliance has empowered us to reach and support more people in need,” Sabina explained. She believes that through mutual learning and the adoption of best practices, the entire volunteering sector can continuously evolve and enhance its impact.
While a bowl of steaming soup may not cure all diseases, it conveys a profound message of love and compassion within our community.
| House Meal Program
Service: Free lunch Service target: Families of RMH and families with children who regularly visit the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital for treatment or follow-up consultations Time: Lunch time of every Thursday Location: Ronald McDonald House in Kwun Tong Transportation: Free shuttle service from and to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Kwun Tong |
Photo captions:
- The volunteers from the Rotary Club of Star Avenue will come to the Kwun Tong House on Thursdays to prepare homemade soup for families in the House.
- Martina and Pen prepare each batch of warm, delicious soup for families at RMH.
- Sabina, the President of RCSA, is a steadfast supporter of the home cooked meal initiated by RMHC Hong Kong.
- RCSA and RMHC Hong Kong has established a long-term collaborative relationship.
