For older people living alone, phone calls made regularly to check on them could mean strong emotional support as well as a safeguard. HandsOn Hong Kong associate director Catherine Dannaoui Wun-tchi said the effect of the checks became clear during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many senior citizens became afraid of going out and were left confined to their homes. To help them fight loneliness and isolation, the charity has launched a check-in phone calling programme and connected its volunteers with elderly residents in need across the city. “There was an elderly gentleman telling us [our call] was the first conversation he had had in a month,” Dannaoui said. Her organisation, founded in 2007, aims to serve as a hub for volunteers and NGO partners, providing a vast array of charity opportunities every month. Executive director Sue Toomey said her team often acted as an extension of their service partners. “We create and run programmes on their behalf,” she explained, noting the importance of collaboration in tough times. “During Covid-19, our role in terms of raising funds and running programmes in partnership with other NGOs have been more crucial than ever.” Their work has earned the team a nomination for this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. The annual event, co-organised by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group, honours the achievements of remarkable people whose endeavours may not come to public notice. Service partner Cheung Hon-wa at United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service recommended the HandsOn team for this year’s Spirit of Teamwork Award, which recognises unsung groups embracing their roles as socially responsible corporate citizens. Athlete Benny Chu finds winning formula at international paratriathlon tournaments, overcoming low vision With a view to helping the needy during the pandemic, the HandsOn team runs a care package delivery programme and works with volunteers to bring household essentials at their doorsteps. Sophy Lai Wing-yee, associate programme director at HandsOn Hong Kong, said her team of volunteers often carried two to three care packages weighing around 7kg each on an errand. “Sometimes they may need to climb flights of stairs if those households live in an old tenement building without any lift,” she said. Lisa Lam Man-ting, who is responsible for development and partnerships at HandsOn Hong Kong, said the challenges brought about by the pandemic had only hardened their resolve to do more to help people. “We are dedicated to doing what we can,” she said. Assistant programme manager Ivy Tse Shuk-lan said her teammates at the organisation had become more flexible in carrying out their duties and collaborating. “This strengthens our power,” she said. Spirit of Hong Kong Awards return to honour city’s inspirational, unsung heroes and groups Programme and event officer Monique Yau Ka-yan noted the recent social-distancing requirements could have an impact on Hongkongers’ mental well-being. “We are a small team so we are able to have open conversations between us to stay healthy mentally,” she said. Office manager Bonnie Ho Mei-ho said it was important to stay positive. Lin Bixian, who is responsible for volunteer and NGO engagement, said many people in Hong Kong wanted to do something good amid the pandemic. Her team constantly adapts to new realities and innovates to ensure their community services are continued. Programme administrator Lee Wing-yi said, given the social-distancing restrictions, members of the team were required to hone their talents for videoconferencing software to move meetings online. “We can be quick learners,” she said.