This year, Men of Hope is back to recognise the individuals in Hong Kong who dedicate their time to bettering the community and underprivileged and to raise funds the Adventist Heart Fund (AHF). The AHF supports children suffering from congenital heart disease, who are in dire need for corrective heart surgery and have helped more than 300 families. In the lead-up to their gala dinner this Thursday (October 25), we speak to the Men of Hope co-chairs and previous honourees about their personal experiences with Men of Hope and the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHF) and how we can all help.

Jo Soo-Tang, HKAHF chairman

What’s one thing you’d like people to take away from this year’s Men of Hope 2018?

The one major take away is public healthcare versus private healthcare. Most of us have quick access to private healthcare and insurance. The underprivileged community do not have quick access and are not insured. We take for granted these things and need to do as much we can to help.

What have been some of the highlights from the MOH campaign overall?

The highlights have been the growth of this campaign from three years ago and how involved some of the MOH have been. The MOH Committee are also truly the driving force of this fund and I am truly grateful for their involvement.

What can people do to get involved and truly make a difference?

Chip in and make a small donation, volunteer your time to us and meet some of our beneficiaries.

Gordon Hui

What does Men of Hope mean to you?

It’s important that there’s a charity to fundraise for children in need of critical operations.

How did you get involved with Men of Hope?

My own daughter had to have open heart surgery at two and a half years old. Now that she is 100% recovered, we realise many other underprivileged children also require help before it’s too late.

Is there one story or case that has personally impacted you the most while working with the cause?

After our daughter’s recovery after her own operation, we were saddened to hear another little girl Lily Grace who passed away, perhaps her help came too late.

How can people get involved and help?

I just hope people become aware of the many newborns with heart disease and help to raise funds to help these children in critical condition. Timing for such operations is vital, delay could be fatal.

Philip Mok

What does Men of Hope mean to you?

To me, Men of Hope is meant to inspire. Everyone can be a Man of Hope if they put their heart into in. There are many in this world who need help and there is always something that one can do to make a difference to their community or even change a life in a positive way.

How did you get involved with Men of Hope?

I was inspired by the stories that I have read on the award winners in previous years and I was fortunate to be invited by the Jo Soo to assist in this cause.

How can people get involved and help?

I think it’s important that people first spare some time to understand the mission of HKAHF and the various programs and funds that it operates. Over the years, we have made positive impacts to the lives of many in the underserved communities. I am certain that you will find something that touches your heart. Donations are always welcome but we can also talk about ideas that can help us deliver in a better way.

Is there anything that stands out to you about this year’s honourees?

These are all outstanding individuals who have made it their life’s mission to achieve excellence and at the same time contribute back to society in a meaningful way. You will see that their work has profound impact on a global level.

Brandon Chau

How has being a Man of Hope changed or influenced your perspective or the way you do things?

I feel very honoured to be part of the MOH campaign and as an entrepreneur and I always felt it is important to be aware of our society and for the less privileged. I believe corporate responsibility is an important part of any business in the world and as business owners we must always do our role in contributing back to the society.

What has been your most memorable experience?

Raising awareness for the MOH campaign has a deeper reflection on me not only as a business person but as a human being. Through fundraising events to hospital visits, I have learnt by helping others, through compassion and empathy, that it enables one to connect with different individuals and the society as a whole. By taking part in the MOH campaign in itself is already a memorable experience.

As a previous honouree, what would you like to pass on to this year’s honourees?

I hope to pass on the message of Hope, Compassion and Empathy.

Why is hope so important?

I believe hope is an important aspect of life. Life is a series of challenges and no matter if the challenges are big or small, hope and perseverance is what gets us through life.

What can millennials do to help the cause and those in need?

I think starting with awareness for the less privileged is a good start. Showing compassion and giving positive encouragement through volunteer work is also a good way to spread hope.

Dr. Kevin Lau

How has being a Man of Hope changed or influenced your perspective or the way you do things?

I developed a sense of hope by caring about people – people not only in my circle (my beloved family members, friends and colleagues), but also outside of my inner circle. That means bringing hope to others is not limited to only helping the people I know and I love.

I do my best to raise funds to help kids and make their wishes come true. Being part of Men of Hope has broadened this and has enabled me to help underprivileged children who need heart surgery. I am not a specialist in heart surgery so I am not able to do this the actual surgery for them but I am very grateful that I’m able to help in some way.

What has been your most memorable experience?

It’s been meeting other Men of Hope and learning their inspiring stories, their passions and dedication to making the world a better place.

As a previous honouree, what would you like to pass on to this year’s honourees?

I am not just focusing on what I can do to support charities, but also encouraging those around me to do the same. I want to pass on this mission and vision to all honourees so we can build and grow a community that truly supports those in need.

Why is hope so important?

Everyone needs hope because hope always lights up peoples’ dreams, comforts them in dark times and drives people to be positive. With hope, we can think more positively and act positively  to create a better world.

For more on Men of Hope, visit hkahf.org.hk/moh

Credits
Photography / Kirk Kenny @studiozag
Hair by Emmanuel Faipoux, Artistic Director & Founder of emmanuel f. eco organic le salon

Venue / Attire House