This summer, six students volunteered at RMHC Hong Kong, and they are happily sharing with us their journeys of making a difference.
Anders
A Year 11 student at Magdalen College School, Oxford, UK
An inspiring journey I currently a year 11 student at Magdalen College School in Oxford, the UK, meaning that I am about to take my GCSEs examination, which include 10 different subjects. I first met the children of RMHC Hong Kong through the Kidathon in 2013 and realizing the subtle struggles of children and the ‘home away from home’ care that RMHC Hong Kong provided, I decided to come volunteer this summer, hoping to gain experience in both working with other people and interacting with sickly children. During my time volunteering here, I have helped organize events such as a seminar for the Legacy Program and the annual Gala Dinner, understanding about the work that goes into the technical stages of organizing an event. Every week, I also helped with the “Play Buddy” program. Through this I have realized the joy and excitement that simple activities such as throwing paper airplanes and making birthday cards bring to the children, giving me rewarding memories and creating special bonds with children. With my interest in photography, I also took part in taking photos of families and their children, hoping to frame their happy memories in many images. Working at RMHC Hong Kong has made me understand about the challenging yet rewarding part of working in a non-profit organization, gaining trust with the children staying there over time, which I hope to bring towards a career in the medical industry in the future.
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Ada and Amy
A pair of Year 3 twin sisters studying BBA Information Management at the City University of Hong Kong
Embracing the summer smiles As summer approached, we volunteered for RMHC Hong Kong, aiming at supporting families with seriously ill children. This was our first hands-on experience with such a mission. The highlight was organizing the fundraising program for Raffle Ticket Sales, which involved various responsibilities. The immense sense of accomplishment we felt upon completing the program was rewarding, as it significantly supported RMHC Hong Kong’s services. Witnessing the smiles of the children and their caretakers reminded us of our own good fortune and the impact we can have on others. Our daily tasks included preparing logistics for the kick-off and closing ceremonies while engaging with the families. It was eye-opening to see the challenges they face and how a little support can make a big difference. We were inspired by the staff’s dedication to building relationships with families and organizing uplifting activities. This summer, we not only learned about the work of NGOs but also witnessed it in action. The experience deepened our understanding of social responsibility and empathy, prompting us to consider careers in the nonprofit sector. We are grateful for the opportunity and hope to continue this journey of giving back.
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Ginny
A Year 3 student studying BBA Finance at the City University of Hong Kong
Setting goal for future This summer, I had the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing serious medical challenges while volunteering at RMHC Hong Kong. My role focused on organizing the kick-off ceremony of the Raffle Ticket Sales with a dedicated team, planning initiatives that raised essential funds to support families with ill children. I coordinated volunteer efforts and managed event logistics, engaging with community members to share our mission and encourage their support. Each event highlighted the community’s willingness to help those in need. My time at RMHC Hong Kong reshaped my understanding of the local community’s needs and the critical support services provided to alleviate families’ burdens. It was heartwarming to see families find solace in an environment designed for their care. This experience deepened my appreciation for social services and their role in fostering community resilience. Throughout my service here, I gained valuable insights into the nonprofit sector, particularly the importance of funding, community engagement, and effective communication—knowledge that aligns with my career aspirations in finance and event planning within mission-driven organizations. Ultimately, my experience at RMHC Hong Kong solidified my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community, shaping my future and motivating me to pursue a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others. |
Rachel
A sophomore at Stanford University
Impacting lives as one I began my journey with RMHC Hong Kong in 2020 by creating activity booklets for children online during the pandemic. Transitioning to in-person interactions this summer was a remarkable shift. Each day, I was greeted by the joyful faces of children who, despite their medical challenges, radiated optimism and happiness. Playing with them not only brought immense joy to their lives but also provided their families with much-needed respite. Being a “Play Buddy” allowed me to contribute to their “home away from home”, a concept that took on new meaning as I witnessed the impact of the services on both the children and their families. Working closely with the communications team, I learned about the crucial behind-the-scenes efforts that keep the organization running. Crafting social media posts and preparing materials for events like the Gala Dinner highlighted the importance of effective communication in attracting new volunteers and donors. I discovered that RMHC Hong Kong extends its support not just to sick children but also to their families, who often require just as much care and compassion. One poignant moment came during the Thursday House Meal program, where families gathered to share food and stories. It became clear to me that these connections fostered a sense of community and support that is vital for their healing journey. Overall, this experience deepened my understanding of social services and the nuanced roles they play in people’s lives. It reinforced my desire to pursue public service opportunities in the future, as I hope to continue making a difference in the lives of others. |
Catherine Lacy
An MBA student at Stanford University
Summer moments at RMHC Hong Kong This summer, I’m spending four weeks with RMHC HK as a marketing consultant. That means I’m focused on creating marketing strategies to attract new donors and volunteers who are passionate about our mission—from new fundraising events to different types of digital ads. I’m also thinking about ways we can continue to build strong relationships with existing donors and volunteers. Donors and volunteers are the heart of RMHC HK, and I hope to help this community grow even larger! While I’m in Hong Kong, I’ve been lucky enough to stay in the Kwun Tong House and see how meaningful this space is for our families. In previous jobs I’ve held, my team wasn’t usually able to see the direct impact our work had on individuals. It can be easy to get wrapped up in numbers and slides when you’re working on marketing proposals; living in the House keeps me grounded in our mission to provide families with a home away from home. It has been a privilege to experience the House firsthand and meet some of the lovely folks who are staying here. RMHC HK has also been a learning experience as I build a career in social impact. Although I’ve worked at several places that have social good at their core, most recently including a social impact microlender in Kenya, this is my first role with a nonprofit. Working here has emphasized to me how important it is for social organizations to be deeply rooted in the communities they serve. It has also reminded me how generous human beings can be with their time, resources, and energy. Overall, it has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career where I can contribute to positive, lasting change in my own community. |