23 ‘unsung heroes’ nominated for Post’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards that recognise those who make city a better place to live
Among the contenders are an autistic girl with a talent for painting, and a teacher whose charity helps the city’s homeless
Twenty-three community achievers have been nominated for this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, which honour inspirational local individuals and groups that make the city a better place to live.
Over the next few weeks, the Post will feature stories about the finalists, including a teacher who founded a grass-roots charity to help the homeless in Hong Kong, an artistic young lady with autism who has won considerable recognition in the community for her painting, and the founder of a charitable organisation that aims to educate the public about embracing death as a natural part of life.
The awards celebrate the achievements of these truly remarkable people, who might otherwise not come to the public’s attention.
Anna Wu Hung-yuk, chairwoman of the awards’ judging panel, said the stories of these “unsung heroes” had inspired others to step up and transform lives.
“We need to learn from them and pay tribute to them.”
Another judge, former Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing chairman Ronald Arculli, said the annual campaign had given local residents an “amazing opportunity to recognise those generous, good citizens of Hong Kong who would otherwise go unnoticed”.
“They are not doing it for fame, but out of pure generosity,” he added, referring to the organisations and tireless individuals who make a meaningful difference in the city.
The Hong Kong foster mum who’s given a loving home to 57 children
An award will be given in each of the seven categories: community contribution, compassion ambassador, cultural preservation, innovating for good, overcoming personal challenge, corporate citizen and Lion Rock entrepreneur.
Readers will get a chance to vote for their favourite nominee in the People’s Choice Award category from July 2 to 31. Winners will be announced in September.
A recipe for success: the social enterprise helping underprivileged home cooks
Sino Group Deputy Chairman Dr Daryl Ng Win-kong, who also sits on the judging panel, said he often drew encouragement and inspiration from individuals whose quiet and self-effacing work had made a positive impact on the lives of others.
“One act of goodness can inspire many more, and together, the cumulative impact of goodness can be bigger than we imagine,” Ng said.
