Supporters find ways to feed mostly young Hong Kong extradition bill protesters amid concern some are ‘fighting on empty stomach’ after buying protective gear
- Viral appeals online spark wave of generosity in the form of donated items, as well as food and shopping vouchers for frontline demonstrators
- Help includes job-matching platform for those arrested and out on bail
Some Hongkongers have been exploring ways to feed extradition bill protesters through donated food coupons and meal vouchers, following appeals made online that the mostly young demonstrators have little money left after buying protective gear.
The requests, which have gone viral since Monday, sparked generous contributions from supporters, who sympathised with what they saw as weary protesters staging demonstrations that lasted hours on end.
The rallies have increasingly ended in violence and deepened social divides, as escalating tensions led to clashes between protesters and police, with officers using tear gas, rubber bullets and beanbag rounds to disperse crowds.
One volunteer group, which spoke to the Post, said they had collected HK$200,000 worth of coupons which can be used in shops including food outlets, bakeries, and supermarkets, as well as prepaid Octopus cards and masks.
“We have been on the front line, and we have seen situations like five protesters sharing a box of takeaway rice,” said Peter Lam, one of the volunteers.