NO GO GALA
Change of year is, traditionally, Gala time in Hong Kong. Late last year, though, we somehow didn’t feel right inviting you to a festive gala, given the heartbreak Hong Kong is currently facing. We therefore sent out an invitation to a No Go Gala and are deeply grateful to all of you who responded. It has been very moving. We will shortly take this from our website, but friends asked us to keep it here a little longer for those of you who have been travelling and not yet been able to give.
A No Go Gala is, put simply, just that: a gala to which people don’t come! They still make a gift to the organisation but enjoy a quiet night at home. So if you are one of those who wanted to give, but found the season too hectic to find the time, we will, as asked, keep this invitation here a little longer. We would, of course, have dearly loved to receive the ‘gift’ you would have given at such a gala. Truth told, with recent unrest, this year sees us in particular need. What might you have brought to a gala?
A few examples:
• Buy a table: HK$18,000
• Buy one seat or more: HK$1,800 (per seat)
• Refurbish a computer: HK$800
• Sponsor an NGO in Hong Kong: HK$5,000
• Sponsor a container: HK$50,000
• Give ‘where most needed’
Overall picture?
Were we holding a normal gala, we’d be hoping for at least HK$3 million, as we need that amount by the end of the year. We are still seeking to serve each day: caring for those in the local community and beyond. It is harder than usual, as fewer volunteers feel they can travel and that is requiring us to outsource labour which is pushing our costs up. Many groups are cancelling their visits. Financial giving is somewhat down, too, undermined by the current uncertainties.
HOW? Click on donation now. Information on tax deductibility in various countries is here.
Your gift will allow us to step confidently into 2020, despite the present challenges, so we may continue to serve those whose needs only ever increase. And by next year, may this city which we love and treasure have come through this grievous time.
