Where: 1/F, Lam Tin Complex, 7 Rehab Path, Lam Tin What: Established in 1989, the charity provides services for asthma and allergy sufferers as well as their families so that they can better manage their condition. With the support of the Hong Kong Thoracic Society and the Hong Kong Society of Paediatric Respirology, the society also offers medical advice to its members. How: Call 2895 6502 or visit www.hkasthma.org for more information. You can help the organisation run educational programmes about asthma and allergies and also assist with its exhibitions that educate the public about the illnesses. Teen volunteer: Shirley Choi Suet-yee, 19, is a Baptist University student who has been doing volunteer work for the society since the summer with her mother, who has asthma. 'I've always enjoyed taking part in volunteer activities. When my previous volunteer group disbanded, I decided to help my mother with her volunteer work for the Hong Kong Asthma Society. As I am quite new to the organisation, I mainly help run the games and activities for camping or hiking trips and also look after the children. There are a few things to bear in mind when planning the activities. First of all, they must not be vigorous. The games should not involve a lot of running and they must be simple and appropriate for all ages. Also, don't pick steep hiking routes. The routes should be family routes. The purpose of the hike is to relax. Finally, it is important to remind the asthma patients to bring their medication. I am very glad that through these activities, I can make friends with a group of experienced volunteers who have long been serving the society and can teach me many things. If you want to be a volunteer for the society, you must be prepared to learn about asthma. For example, you have to know how to help a patient who is having an asthma attack. You also must be aware of how weather and food affects asthma patients. You must be patient and keep up-to-date with the latest information. My relationship with my mother has also benefited from our volunteer activities. We have more common topics to discuss together at home. We also share an equal status when we do activities together, which leaves me with a very special feeling.'