Updated 28 April 2026
After some months of deep work, we wanted to share with you an update on the response so far.
First of all, we just wanted to say that your generosity and kindness for those affected by the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire in 2025 has been nothing but extraordinary.
In the face of such tragedy, this response provided not only a tremendous encouragement but also a very practical , much-needed support to everyone impacted.
Here is a brief overview on our humble contributions to the collective response across Hong Kong.
Initial Response
Because people responded so promptly to our Tai Po fire appeal, we were able to mobilise our team immediately.
Even while the fires were still burning, our trucks were delivering emergency mattresses, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, kettles, rice cookers, clothing, sanitary items and food to affected families seeking shelter in our partner NGO’s transitional housing units.
In this initial response phase, we managed to reach 100 households.
As the week developed, we began reaching out to social workers and community centres to support in the initial response. The timing was critical, to make sure everyone was taken care of right after the tragedy.
Intermediate Needs
A week after our initial response, we focused on meeting further needs of families affected by the fire. We provided assistance through bulk goods distributions and individual help for households currently residing in transitional housing or temporarily staying with friends and family throughout the city.
Bulk Goods Distributions
In collaboration with other social workers & NGOs, and in line with the Government’s ‘One Family, One Social Worker’ policy, we distributed essential goods at various transitional housing estates for those affected.
By partnering with Fortress HK, we were able to purchase refrigerators and washing machines in bulk at reduced prices. An army of volunteers delivered and installed these appliances at no cost to the families.
Over 200 families received items through these distributions: washing machines, refrigerators, household appliances, and smaller items.
Photo above: Crossroads team being briefed by Social Worker at Kai Tak transitional housing before coordinating delivery of fridges, washing machines and microwaves with volunteers from Cathay and DHL. Each appliance carried a QR code that the families can use to reach out to us for further needs.
Individual Help
As of the time of writing, over 2/3 of fire-affected households, through their dedicated social workers, have reached out to us for individual assistance. We are meeting these individual requests in two ways:
Online Platform: We have created an online platform where fire survivors can browse, and request goods specifically donated for those affected by the fire. Selected items are delivered free of charge to their current location, wherever they are in Hong Kong.
In-Person Access: Fire victims are invited to visit our warehouse in Tuen Mun to browse available goods in person. We have welcomed many such households in recent weeks. Again, all selected items are delivered at no cost.
Long Term Support
As this phase settles down and we look to the future, we have been pre-positioning resources (funds and goods) to be available for the long term resettlement.
We are committed to helping these families through the provision of the physical items that they need, as they finally resettle in their permanent homes.
A story of encouragement
Finally, we’d love to share one personal story, since the ultimate beneficiaries are not just numbers of households, but individual people.
Mr & Mrs Leung, both in their seventies, were residents of Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po. Since the devastating fires, they have been living in a transitional housing unit. Mr Leung lives with a neurological condition and Mrs Leung is his sole caregiver. Their social worker contacted us to apply for essential household items, including a cooking set, dehumidifier, vacuum cleaner and a TV. Outside of medical appointments and grocery shopping, the couple stays mostly at home due to limited mobility. Because of this, they were especially looking forward to using the TV, which has become an important source of entertainment.
Mrs Leung shared with one of our volunteers, “Nobody thought it (the fire) was deadly. I grabbed my backpack and left with my husband. Everyone thought we were all going back home after a couple of hours. But it kept burning. It wasn’t until that evening when I realised that all we have left it my backpack. We lost everything. My daughter’s wedding photos. Our wedding photos… but at least we’re both still here.”
In the face of such sadness and shock, it was incredibly heart-warming to see the community across Hong Kong, and the globe, respond with deep generosity and care. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed at such a difficult time.
