Many ways to make a contribution
VOLUNTARY WORK comes in many forms other than the most obvious one of caring for people in need. Being a member of an organisational committee or committees is just as important.
The Hong Kong Council of Volunteering's chairman J.P. Lee, for example, has been involved in voluntary work for more than 30 years on the administrative side of various social bodies. He is also the incumbent chairman of the Agency for Voluntary Services (AVS).
Tony Fok Ka-hang of the Hong Kong Dental Association has also been involved in various voluntary services, offering dental care to the mentally disabled and autistic children through the St John Ambulance Brigade. In addition, he also participates in charity walks and fund-raising activities.
In Hong Kong, looking after the elderly or caring for the poor tends to attract more volunteers than the administrative side of the business. In order to match volunteers with the right organisations, AVS maintains a register that categorises volunteers by their skills and preferred areas of service.
Mr Lee encourages people who do not have the time, but want to contribute to the voluntary services, to make donations or by doing home-based online or translation work.
