Mr Chen, a 94 year old Hong Kong man, has lived through his fair share of tragedy, war and economic hardship. Nothing, however, prepared him for the devastation that followed when a fire swept through the traditional, fishing village of Tai O where he lived, destroying his home. “This was the one thing I owned, the thing I was proud of,” he told our staff when they visited.

In picturesque Tai O, life is slow and many families still depend on fishing for their livelihood. The average income for many local residents, especially elderly people like Mr Chen, is low. Where, then, was he to go? How was he to start life over?

Thankfully, the Social Welfare Department placed Mr Chen in public housing, so that, while he yet mourned the loss of his home, he could be safe and sheltered. Mr Chen still had one critical need in his new home: a washing machine. This is a costly item, particularly for one at his age and stage of life, but it’s an essential.

With his hands no longer up to the task of handwashing. We gladly provided a washing machine to Mr Chen, giving him what support we can in the final years if his life.