ChickenSoup Foundation helps families in need, with the help of funds from Operation Santa Claus
- The foundation provides practical and financial support for disadvantaged households
Edward Man Ho-wai believes his team’s work can help save many families from crumbling under the pressures of daily life.
“When families go through difficulties, they feel helpless and often don’t know where to find help,” he said.
The founder of ChickenSoup Foundation said the charity provides free and comprehensive services for these households, such as child care and empowerment support.
Under the foundation’s family programme, those in need may also obtain subsidies for medical treatment and receive career training.
“We act as a hub to collect donations and distribute resources to the needy,” Man said.
The volunteer said he wanted to help members of at-risk families to develop a positive attitude towards the future.
Tim Tam Ka-ki, 22, is one of a growing number of people who have benefited from the foundation’s services.
“I was once affected by autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia,” he said.
“I wasn’t able to concentrate on my studies.”
The biomedical sciences student said his attention span had improved after being encouraged by Man to train his brain to stay focused using construction toys.
Tam was also grateful to the foundation for helping him to receive treatment for eczema, which the youngster has lived with since he was an infant.
His mother, Wong Wun-yui, was a beneficiary too. The charity subsidised her treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue.
“[The foundation] fixes small things in the community and fills the gaps while the government focuses on big projects,” she said.
Man said his team would continue to develop their services with funds from Operation Santa Claus, the annual charity campaign jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
The foundation has launched “Project Family Cupid” and enlisted the help of corporate volunteers and social workers to support troubled families in need of different types of assistance.
SCMP Serve, an initiative aimed at deepening the company’s ties with the wider Hong Kong community through volunteering work, is helping with the scheme.
Vivien Siu Wai-man of SCMP Serve, said her colleagues wanted to provide services that had a sustainable and positive impact.
“We hope to give off positive energy that can benefit needy families,” she said.
Richard Chow Man-fung, manager of the project, said the charity could help social workers find the household supplies and resources the vulnerable families need.
How you can give:
- ● Donate online by credit card at osc.scmp.com/donate
- ● Donate at an ATM or at any HSBC branch (account no: 502-676299-001 for SCMP Charities Ltd – Operation Santa Claus)
- ● Donate with a cheque payable to “SCMP Charities Ltd – Operation Santa Claus” and mail it to: Operation Santa Claus, South China Morning Post, 19/F, Tower One, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
- ● Donations of HK$100 or more are tax-deductible. If you would like a tax receipt, please send the completed donation form and original bank receipt, with your name, address and phone number, to the above address. Please call +852 2680 8159 or email [email protected] with any inquiries, or visit us online at osc.scmp.com
