Speech by SLW at award presentation ceremony of THE ONE Hong Kong Humanitarian Annual Award

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the award presentation ceremony of THE ONE Hong Kong Humanitarian Annual Award tonight (May 5):

Dr David Harilela, Dr Peter Pang, Mr HW Fung, Mrs Anita Chainrai, Ms Cissy Wang, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to join this award presentation ceremony and salute the good deeds of three of Hong Kong’s most distinguished unsung heroes, Father Giosuè Bonzi, Mr Chan Cheuk-ming (Ming Gor) and Mr Malcolm Begbie.

Fr Giosuè Bonzi: Hong Kong is deeply grateful to you for your life-long dedication to serve the local people with disabilities. Your founding of Fu Hong Society in 1977 which began humbly with providing services for seven people is now helping more than 4 000 disabled persons annually. This speaks volume about your compassion, dedication and perseverance throughout the years.

Ming Gor, Mr Chan Cheuk-ming: The positive and exemplary impact of your “food vouchers” and lunchboxes on different needy groups goes far beyond the community of Sham Shui Po. Your good deeds have inspired many volunteers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to follow suit. You are a shining example for many of our private enterprises, big or small.

Mr Malcolm Begbie: Since its establishment in 1996 by you and your family, the Crossroads has evolved into a renowned international resource-redistribution centre, benefiting some 605 000 people in need, globally and locally. We applaud your admirable work at the Crossroads which has become a Hong Kong-made international NGO brand.

Last but not least, I would like to pay my warmest tribute to Rotary International District 3450 for organising THE ONE Hong Kong Award and giving recognition to the unsung humanitarian heroes of the Hong Kong community. My thanks also go to the Chainrai Foundation for its generous financial support.

Hollywood celebrates the valour and heroism of Iron Man, Captain America, Superman and the like. We in Hong Kong express our deep appreciation for the many unsung heroes who passionately and quietly devote their life to humanitarian causes and serve the people in need. Ours is a case of humility, giving and co-building a caring, compassionate and cohesive Hong Kong. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, May 5, 2016