Charity Newslett r ue
BRANCHES OF HOPE
ANDERSON AND BANKS HOUSE
This year for Long Ducker, Anderson raised money through a henna tattoo stall, fortune telling and a Ducky-Fishing carnival style game. Amongst the prep schoolers and younger children, our henna tattoo stall was very popular as we provided a variety of designs to choose from and had many talented henna tattoo artists within the house that contributed to the success of the stall. Next year, Anderson aims to do a food stall – specifically selling frozen treats or drinks that will attract a lot of customers considering the humidity and heat of the day.
This year, Banks House had an amazing time on Long Ducker Day running our charity stall, "Bowling Fun." We had a fantastic turnout, with pupils from both Lower School and Upper School joining in on the fun Participants received a variety of prizes for knocking down eight pins or more, and many people came back for repeated plays, excited to show off their bowling skills and win more prizes Despite the blazing sun, we had a wonderful time supporting the stall, and our team demonstrated incredible teamwork and House spirit. It was great to see everyone coming together for good cause. We are thrilled to announce that we raised a total of $8,725 for our House charity, Branches of Hope. This achievement reflects the hard work of everyone and we are thankful for their support. The bowling sets are now being recycled in Banks House for bowling matches during break times or in the evenings. Overall this event was a great success and we look forward to future charity activities where we can continue to have fun and make a positive difference together
IMPACT HK
WU AND DARWIN HOUSE
This year for the Long Ducker, we made many games like Plinko Ball and Darwin Pong. The aim of these charity stall games were to raise money for our charity while making it as fun as possible The pupils who led the Darwin House charity stall were outstanding. If people didn’t come to our stall, we made sure to attract them by making creative discounts and we managed to sell out everything in the end which is awesome We made sure that our customers had really fun times and we cared about the hospitality more about the money, we managed to make lots of money thanks to the enthusiasm of everyone who participated
This year for Long Ducker, we are extremely proud to say that Wu House hosted three amazing stalls: Wu's Tarot Card Reading, Wu's Whimsical Arts and Craft Corner, where we made bracelets, and Wu's Face Painting Booth. We are pleased to announce that we earned $4,300 HKD This is a fantastic achievement and wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing volunteers Next year, we wish to host a food stall, as we believe it was one of the most popular stalls and a great way for our runners to enjoy and cool off! All in all, this year was a huge success for everyone, and we can’t wait for next year's Long Ducker!
Splash Foundation
Lyon and Shaftesbury house
This year Shaftesbury and Lyon House hosted 2 events to raise money for Long ducker: the waffle stall and the splashing game. Members of both houses have participated actively and contributed to hosting the stall. One issue is with regards to how much money was charged for each event, as the price was too high. Next time, we aim to increase the amount of money raised for charity by selling more in-demand products like drinks and lower prices so that more people would buy our food/play our games.
CROSSROADS FOUNDATION
PeelHouse
This year for Long Ducker Peel had a fruit boba stall as well as a shaved ice stall. We had long queues and had a very successful day as we continued to try and raise money for Crossroads. We had many different pupils help on our stall with different roles assigned. During peak hours we worked very efficiently to try to serve all our customers. In total we raise $15800 Dollars. However, one thing we will improve next year is improving on our calculations and buying more products so we can get more sales. Finally, we will also look into end, all 3 of the handles
SHACKLETON AND KELLER HOUSE SPCA
This year for long ducker Shackleton made snow cones, we had lots of helpful feedback from our costumers saying that the flavour was good and not too sweet, we took take care that what everyone was eating was not contaminated since we wore gloves and tried to keep everything in a sterile environment. In total we raised around 3000 dollars, and we sold out quickly after around 3 hours of hard work put in by our students in Shackleton. Some things we could improve on next year is to try to get more ice since we ran out of snow cones to sell halfway through Long Ducker Another thing we can do is to try to sell something other than snow cones on our stall, this can make us raise more money for a worthy cause and hopefully beat what we raised this year.
This year Keller arranged our iconic Long Ducker stalls - the Slip and Slide and the Tombola stall. A lot of people participated in the slip and slide to cool off after the Long Ducker run, refreshing themselves with joyful splashes in the heat. The Tombola stall was also filled with excitement as families and friends gathered around, hoping to win a prize from drawing the raffle tickets A lot of Keller girls contributed by managing the stalls, which provided the best experience for people visiting the stalls. The money that we have raised will be put into use for a charitable cause to continue supporting our house charity SPCA.
Hong Kong Shark Foundation
Gellhorn and Fry house
This year for Long Ducker, the Fry House stall were selling temporary tattoos, drinks and delicious snacks. Many Fry pupils contributed to help our stall, we are proud to announce that we made over 10,000 HKD. The ‘mystery box that is filled with candy’ was the most popular and caught more people’s attention as they were allowed to grab as many as they can in one hand. The parents reps was really helpful and stayed in the stall for the whole time. Overall, I think we, as a house, did really well this year and we raised an arguably good amount of money, Hopefully next year we will do even better and raise more money
This year was eventful for Gellhorn, particularly with our ongoing charity events We kicked off the year with our Christmas fair, featuring a caricature stall and a bake sale Many house members participated, creating an impactful experience with amazing caricature artworks
I would say the Long Ducker was the highlight of the year We aimed to make it as sustainable as possible, both economically and environmentally. For our massage stall, we collaborated with college students from THEi, who are sports therapists in training. They provided fantastic massages to participants after the run or walk, giving back to the community while gaining valuable experience.
We were also sponsored by Cocoes, a sustainable coconut water brand, which supplied us with drinks to sell at our stall. As usual, we offered friendship bracelets and shark plushies as well. Throughout the year, we hosted many more events. I want to thank everyone who supported us in making charity a significant part of our house and to all the members who participated!
GREEN POWER GREEN POWER
Nightingale and Sun house
For this years Long Ducker stall. Nightingale house was selling colourful face crystals! Many of the Nightingale pupils contributed to the stall even for those who didn’t sign up, they were all eager to help out with he stall The pink and purple crystals were almost sold out! Many little ones came over to the stall and brought over their friends to try out the different styles, and some even bought some extra to use in the future. Not only where there pupils helping out there were also many parents who were really kind and helped out as well It was really enjoyable to be able to raise money for our charity Green Power To sum this up, I think Nightingale together we worked extremely well and it was quite successful We all hope that next year, our charity stall will be even more successful and we all look forward to working with Green power and other future charities.
For Long Ducker this year Sun house raised money for Green Power, by creating a game using the cornhole Many Sun house pupil contributed to help our stall, we used many creative ways to invite more participants, and at the end we manage to give out all the prizes and rewards. Throughout the morning and afternoon, our stall was extremely busy, with people of all ages coming to play and contribute to Green Power Overall, we believe that our stall was efficient and well run, however we could purchase more prizes next year
My cookie business
Shared by: David, Year 9, Churchill
A few months ago, I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies and shared them with my family and friends. They turned out to be really good, so I decided to use them to make money for charity instead. I sold them to local friends at a price of 10 HKD each, and in my first week, I made 200 pounds.* I calculated the profits and figured out that I made 100 pounds in profit, and I could use the other 100 pounds to buy ingredients and make more cookies.
However, I ran into some challenges. Sometimes, the cookie dough turned out too sticky, or too tough, and the cookies didn't turn out well. I spent a few weeks perfecting the recipe and cooking time, and I managed to get a recipe that consistently worked well every week. I found cheaper ways to source my ingredients, and I managed to get cookies that cost around 3 pounds to make one but still had the same quality as the previous ones.
After around a month and a half of experimenting, I bought some plastic cookie wrappers from a baking shop and started the business. After another month, I made more than 1000 pounds in profit for charity. I later expanded to other baked goods, and I currently have more than 2000 HKD from selling various baked goods, half of which is going to charity next week.
*Note: The currency is specified as HKD, so the profit in the first week would be 200 HKD, not 200 pounds. The rest of the amounts should also be converted to HKD for consistency.
My Incredible Experience in the Fry Bake Sale
Shared by: Mia, Year 6, Fry
Last Autumn, I did something very special. Early in the morning, I woke up at 6 o'clock, getting ready for the charity event. The event was to raise money for the HK Shark Foundation.
I opened the fridge to get water, tea, honey, and lemon. I sliced 50 lemons and squeezed 40 of them to make lemon juice which was then poured into a huge bucket. I mixed all the ingredients for 10 minutes until the honey was fully dissolved into the tea water.
After an hour and a half, I left the house with a huge bucket that could serve 30 cups of iced lemon tea. I met up with my classmates at Fry House and discussed the bake sale. During the lunch break, we stood behind the table, waiting for people to buy our food and drinks. When people walked by, we encouraged them to buy our cookies, muffins, and lemon tea.
By the end of the day, 23 cups of my lemon tea had been sold. My classmates and I drank and ate all the leftovers. We were all so proud of ourselves. Overall, I think sharks are pitiful, because people sometimes cut their fins alive so that they can sell them. They already know that sharks can't swim without their fins, but they still do it because they are too selfish to care about other living things on the planet.
I know a cup of lemon tea won't make a big difference to Harrow pupils, but the money raised for the charity event makes a huge difference.
Warren Buffet
Shared by: James, Year 7, Lyon
Warren Buffett is a famous American investor, who possesses a wealth of over $153 billion, which makes him the 5th richest person in the world. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett was keen on business and investment early on in his youth. After Wharton School, which was part of the University of Pennsylvania, he attended the University of Nebraska. Finally, Buffett graduated from the Columbia Business School. Buffett's investment philosophy was built around value investing, which involved the purchase of undervalued companies and assets. Intent on pursuing a business career, Buffett attended the New York Institute of Finance. Buffett started to create various business ventures soon after. Buffett Partnership Ltd was made in 1956, and after that, he acquired a textile company known as Berkshire Hathaway. Eventually, he became the chairman and majority shareholder. His business allowed him to accumulate a massive wealth, which led up to his current wealth of $153 billion.
Despite his wealth, Buffett still had a strong desire to help the poor. He became renowned for his philanthropy and charity work. Although some rich people might become snobbish and selfish, Warren Buffett refused to In 2006, the entire world was left in shock by his massive decision. The famous investor Warren Buffett pledged to give over 99% of his wealth over to charity! With his friend Bill Gates, Buffett founded the Giving Pledge Since then, more than 250 people have signed the pledge, vowing that they will donate more than 50% of their wealth to charities. Since 2006, Buffett has donated more than $55.5 billion to charity. All of his donations have significantly bumped his ranking in the world list of richest people. A donation of $5.5 billion bumped his ranking by two places.
I admire Buffett's effort and desire to help the poor. Although he became extremely wealthy, he refused to be selfish and stock up all the riches for himself. Instead, he realised that there were people who were in need of the money much more than him, which has made him donate a lot of his wealth to charity. A pledge of 99% was extremely powerful. This meant that if he had $100, he would be left with only $1 This shows his desire and compassion for others, while showing that he did not only care for himself but others.
In conclusion, I admire and support the desire of Warren Buffett to help the poor.
My experience at “Tutoring With a Smile”
Shared by: Gisele, Year 10, Anderson
Last summer, I was determined to give back to the community by doing some charity work, and I achieved this by joining Tutoring With a Smile, a programme that aims to provide children with the opportunity to thrive When I joined TWS, I joined the 2024 Summer Programme where there were less than 10 volunteers, yet we were able to tutor many children through 1-on-1 & group sessions. Although we were a small community at the time, everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming and inclusive. After the programme ended, it was so successful that we were able to continue with the programme during the 2024-2025 academic year (which I am currently involved in)! I've been in TWS ever since, being part of many internal projects and teams such as the video lesson projectbeing the video volunteer manager - or the social media team, aiming to promote TWS to recruit more volunteers. In TWS, we tutor disadvantaged children various subjects such as English and Maths, focusing on interactive learning methods to teach Maths such as building blocks or drawing fun diagrams to further engage the children during lessons. Tutoring others has been incredibly rewarding in many different aspects, allowing me to connect with and meet new people while helping others - overall, this has been an incredibly eye-opening experience, and I'd recommend it to everyone!
P.S - If you'd like to join, please DM @tutor.w.smile_hk on Instagram!
My special volunteer experience
Shared by: Charlene, Year 10, Anderson
A few years ago, I volunteered at a local shelter that provided meals for the homeless. We served food to those in need.
This experience taught me that even a simple idea can grow into something meaningful. It showed me the power of community and how we can uplift one another through kindness and connection. This also taught me to be grateful for having the luxury of never worrying about food. Now I never complain about food because I think about all the people that struggle just to fill their stomachs every day.
Supporting Elderly
Shared by: Angela, Year 10, Gellhorn
I remember a few years ago when my mum took me to a charity event. We brought gifts and mooncakes to elderly people who lived alone on Mid-Autumn Festival.
As we arrived, my mum explained that many of them had no contact with their families, their only companions being a flickering television or a beloved pet We visited many homes and stayed to keep them company, listening to their stories even though I didn't understand most of what they were saying. But just being there felt so wholesome, knowing that they wouldn't be alone on a festival families were supposed to spend together. No one deserves to be alone on a day meant for celebrations and family reunions I wish events like these were more popular because although we're not spending much money on donations, seeing the genuine smile on people's faces because you were there is something no amount of money can buy.
A 90-Year-Old’s Dream: Educating 340
Students with a Military Pension
Shared by: Luka, Year 10, Shaftesbury
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as India grappled with the Delta variant's devastation, a retired Indian Army officer, Colonel Gupta (aged 90+), turned his grief into hope. After losing his wife, Madhuri, he set up the Madhuri Seva Fund in her memory, using his military pension and personal savings to sponsor education for underprivileged students.
The Spark of Compassion Years earlier, Colonel Gupta had seen a news segment about a bright girl forced to drop out of college due to unpaid exam fees. Moved to action, he tracked her down and funded her education. She later became a successful professional, proof that small acts could change lives. This inspired him to scale his efforts.
The Ripple Effect By 2023, the fund had supported 340 students across 19 institutions, covering tuition and exam fees. When the pandemic left families starving, Colonel Gupta expanded the programme to provide 3 months of meals for 200+ households. Partnering with retired veterans (TSEWA), he ensured funds reached those most in need.
A Legacy of Letters One beneficiary, now employed at a major firm, wrote: "Your support broke the cycle of poverty for my family." Another student's principal described the fund as "a beacon of hope" for rural communities.
Why It Inspires Despite his age and living overseas (in Iowa, USA), Colonel Gupta's unwavering commitment—fuelled by love for his late wife and belief in education—shows how one person's resolve can uplift hundreds. As his son Ashish reflected: "He didn't just give money; he gave futures".
Selling goods by the beach
Shared by: Gianna, Year 9, Wu & Annabel Year
9 Anderson
On a sun-drenched Sunday, my friend and I decided to head to the Golden Beach to sell our homemade baked goodschukar biscuits, cakes, and lemonade. To our delight, we ended up earning a remarkable 1,000 Hong Kong dollars! Although it was tiring, the experience felt incredibly meaningful.
In the afternoon, we arrived at the beach with our prepared treats and beverages. At first, our little stall went largely unnoticed, and we felt a bit nervous. Mustering our courage, we proactively approached passersby, introducing ourselves: "Hello, we're running a charitable sale, and all the proceeds will be donated to a children's foundation!" Gradually, more and more people stopped to browse, some buying biscuits, others opting for the lemonade, and many complimenting the delicious cakes. What touched me most was when a kind lady, after hearing our explanation, directly gave an additional 100 Hong Kong dollars, saying, "I support you in doing good deeds!"
The sun was scorching, but we persisted until every item was sold. When we counted the money, we were overjoyed to find 1,000 Hong Kong dollars - we couldn't believe it and jumped for joy!
This activity has taught me that even small actions, when done with care, can make a difference in helping others. Seeing the donation box filled with the proceeds, I felt a warmth in my heart that was sweeter than the most delectable chocolate cake. We'll continue doing such meaningful work next time!
Recycle& Donate Clothes
Shared by: Jacelyn, Year 9, Keller & Liliana, Year 9, Wu
Using the recycling bank provided by Good Nature Environmental Protection Co. Ltd allowed us to donate our unwanted/unused clothes and help the environment by lessening the waste produced from clothes in landfill. It also benefits the community by giving back our clothes in the form of material donations or donations to those who need it or to support other charitable causes (e.g. exporting the clothing to developing countries). This is all in line with our charity's vision alongside the cooperation of EPC (Environmental Community Charitable Foundation Ltd); they strive to promote sustainable development to make Hong Kong a greener city. By selling old clothing at affordable prices, waste is reduced, jobs are created to help recycle and sanitise clothing, and it spreads awareness, so more people are encouraged to reuse clothing. Good Nature Environmental Protection Co. Ltd also holds events and activities regularly such as setting up these bins to collect clothing and a place where residents can exchange recyclables for rewards. Overall, it was quite fun to clear out my wardrobe and see what clothes I could wear more often in my daily life. I also got my mum and sister to join in and look through our clothes as well as pupils from Keller and Wu house. This experience made us realise that we should appreciate what we already have and make use of it, rather than buying something new every time.
Raising the awareness of mental health
Shared by: Ayden, Year 9, Sun & Carlo, Year 9, Shaftesbury
One rainy afternoon, we sat in my living room, brainstorming ideas for a project. We had been discussing the importance of mental health and how many people struggled in silence. Suddenly, we had an idea - let's make a video to raise awareness about mental health. We could share our experiences and help others feel less alone. Excited, we quickly outlined what we wanted to include: personal stories, coping strategies, and messages of encouragement. We decided to film the video that weekend, eager to make an impact. We spoke with the hope of connecting with anyone watching. We emphasised that it's okay to not be okay and that talking about mental health is important. We also shared practical tips like journaling, reaching out to friends, and practising mindfulness.
Beach cleanup
Shared by: Brandon & Marcus, Year 9, Churchill
My friends and I love to go to the beach all the time, but it makes me sad that there is so much litter on the beaches. The rubbish can affect the beauty of the beaches and harm the animals; we wanted to make a change as we knew even one plastic bag could kill a fish or sea turtle. We knew we couldn't make a huge change but we knew we would make a difference to that one animal. This is what inspired us to act upon this and clean up the beach. We planned to do a beach clean-up on the weekends as we were boarders and had very limited time. However, bad weather prevented us from completing a beach clean-up due to safety concerns. Despite the major setback, we were able to improvise and meet up at the beach again, although it was nighttime. During the clean-up, we were able to find lots of different litter ranging from empty food packaging such as crisps and cookie wrappers, and we also found empty cans scattered throughout the beach. The most concerning of these were the amount of bin bags on the beach, being blown around by the wind. Plastic bags were our primary target to collect because the US alone is responsible for 327 billion plastic bags that go into the ocean each year. Nonetheless, the majority of Hong Kong beaches are kept very clean, and sightings of plastic bags were quite uncommon. The most common litter we found were cans and empty bags of food packaging. We were able to collect two bags of rubbish, and we were able to dispose of this. We found the beach clean-ups very successful and hope people understand the importance of cleaning our beaches and how crucial it is to the quality of beaches and the safety of sea creatures.
Donating Food to the Homeless
Shared by: Ethan, Year 9, Shaftesbury
In the heart of Hong Kong, a city marked by stark wealth disparity, nearly 1,400 registered homeless individuals face daily struggles for survival. The sight of people going hungry is a harsh reality that many choose to ignore. Motivated by compassion and a desire to make a difference, I decided to act. Over the weekends, I focused my efforts on the Yau Tsim Mong District and Sham Shui Po, areas known for their high levels of poverty and homelessness. I began by purchasing 两餸饭 (Two-Course Rice) to distribute to those in need. As I walked through the streets, I was struck by the devastating conditions in which many people lived. Makeshift shelters and the absence of necessities painted a grim picture of their daily existence. After locating individuals who were struggling, I handed out food boxes. The reactions were heartwarming; many people teared up with joy and expressed their gratitude. It was a humbling experience to witness their relief, even if just for a moment. Although the cumulative cost of the boxes was significant, I chose to pay out of pocket, believing that every small act of kindness can create ripples of change.
Book Drive supporting Kids4Kids
Shared by: Christina, Year 9, Keller
My project was to do with hosting a book drive and donating these books to Kids4Kids HK.
Earlier this month, my friend at another school and I set up posters around my block and used WeChat to spread awareness of our initiative. We set up a bookshelf at our building lobby with a poster above it asking for donations of old, unused books, and for the people who saw our posters around the block and posts on WeChat, we went to their houses, and used a hand trolley to bring these books back to our houses.
Once we collected all the books (around 200), we sat in my living room and organised the books into English Storybooks, English Chapter books, and Chinese books. Since Kids4Kids did not accept Chinese books, we instead kept these books to be potentially distributed to a kids' hospital near our houses. With the remaining English books, we sent an email to Kids4Kids asking when we should distribute them, and after receiving a response, my dad drove us over to their headquarters, to drop off the books.
We chose this project because currently, around 23% of students in Hong Kong live in poverty, unable to afford anything more than school textbooks. We hope that this initiative can support their education or at least enable them to own some new books in good condition to simply enjoy in their leisure time, which they wouldn't be able to otherwise.
HKDR visit
Shared by: Breanna &Amily, Year
9,
Wu
Last weekend, we went to visit Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) in Ap Lei Chau, excited to meet the dogs and learn more about their work. The experience was incredibly meaningful. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by enthusiastic barks and wagging tails.
The volunteers welcomed us warmly and allowed us to help feed some of the dogs. Seeing their excitement as we handed out treats was heartwarming—some were shy at first, while others jumped up playfully, just happy for attention. We spent time petting and playing with them, and it was amazing to see how much love and joy these rescued dogs had to give, despite their difficult pasts. Some dogs looked quite malnourished, and it made us sad to see the state they were in; some abandoned, some ill.
Though we couldn't conduct our planned interview, the visit left a strong impression on us. It made us realise how much effort goes into rescuing and caring for these animals and how much they rely on volunteers and donations. Walking away, we felt inspired to spread awareness about HKDR's mission and encourage more people to adopt, donate, or volunteer.
The trip was a reminder of the impact compassion can have and why organisations like HKDR are so important. We're already planning our next visit!
If you'd like to support HKDR, consider visiting, donating, or even adopting a furry friend! Every small effort helps give these dogs a second chance at life.
Matcha ice cream drive
Shared by: Ashley& Jessica, Year 9, Wu
In our Chinese class, we have been learning about stories on how to show love to society. So, Jessica and I have been having discussions about what we should do to show love. At first, we talked about going to the nursing home, however this didn't go to plan. As we had no idea how to enter the nursing home, therefore we have changed it to a Matcha Ice Cream drive. We wanted to do this because right now it's extremely hot and people around the Gold Coast or Times Square might be tired and would want some ice cream. Over the weekends, Jessica brought a big tub of creamy matcha ice-cream, and we both made cookies for them. Right after we baked our cookies, we went out to the Gold Coast beach and handed out lots of ice cream and cookies to the people relaxing on the beach. Everyone who received the cookies was extremely gleeful and grateful as that day it was extremely hot, and they have said that the convenience store was too far away to get water, ice cream and other items. At first, we were thinking about selling these items as we wanted to give the proceeds to our school charity, however soon after we realised that we should give them away for free because some of the people on the beach were extremely tired from exercising and needed some cold refreshments. Through this, we learned that giving sometimes feels better than receiving. We really enjoyed helping people and their smiles made our day. This was a very unique learning opportunity, telling us that sometimes simple things like handing out food to strangers can really make a difference to the wellbeing of our community.
A Week of Joy: Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House
Shared
by: Giancarlos, Year 12, Sun
Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Charities for a week was an experience that profoundly touched my heart. I signed up with the intention of making a difference, and what I received in return was far greater than I could have imagined.
Over the course of the week that I volunteered, I had made many friends with the sickly children who had to undergo treatment at the Hong Kong Children's Hospital. Whether it be us playing the Nintendo Switch, Lego, Tag, or board games, they always had a smile on their faces despite the pain they were feeling inside This really warmed my heart as I felt like I was giving them a quick escape from what felt like an endless cycle of hospital visits, reminding them that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Leo was one of these children who left a lasting memory on me. Leo, a 9-year-old, was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukaemia a few years ago, and he had to undergo a 125-week treatment. I remember when I first met him, his mum told me that he was very tired following his treatment that day and wanted to play with some Lego. It took some time before he began opening to me, but by the end of the day, we became the best of friends. Over the following days, Leo and I got to know each other more.
By the end of the week, when I had to leave, I remember Leo begging his mum to make me stay, so I stayed for a little longer. I hope that my presence, like the many other volunteers at RMHC, have made the many sick children, like Leo, feel like they were not alone on their journey to recovery.
Bridging countries through shelter
Shared by Justin, Year 12, Sun
During a summer course at Columbia University, I was granted an opportunity to design a collaborative project to support developing countries and people in need. As the CEO of the project, I founded a simulative business cooperation committed to providing safe, reliable and sustainable shelter to people affected by floods and natural disasters in South America. I believe that together, a significant impact can be made, and people can feel safe in a comfortable environment. Through hours of research, this project not only significantly assisted in the planning and foundation of the real-world housing development in Brazil but also opened my mind about global issues and justice.
I led the team in designing affordable and environmentally resilient housing models fit to the local climate and economic conditions in Brazil. We consulted reports from the UNDP and World Bank to assess both environmental risks and regional housing shortages, and we developed a housing prototype that used locally sourced, flood-resistant bamboo and recycled plastic panels to minimise environmental impact. Understanding the circumstances in these affected countries, I aimed to cooperate with NGOs to provide newly constructed shelter for the people affected at low and affordable costs. This project showed me the disastrous impacts these natural problems had on families and citizens, and I was extremely proud to bring attention to and be able to assist them.
The Journey of My Baking Passion
Shared
by: Sophie, Year 12, Keller
When I was 9 years old, I found out that I could turn on YouTube on the TV. Since then, I have been watching numerous videos on a wide variety of topics, but one that especially caught my eye was the baking videos by Rosanna Pansino. She is not just a baker but also an inspiring woman who shares positivity through her baking content. I remember vividly that one of the first videos I watched from her was the butter cookies video. I stormed into the kitchen excitedly, ready to recreate her magic. However, I ended up making a mess; the cookies were hard as rocks, and poor Grandpa had to try my "cookies." Despite that initial failure, I was undeterred.
A few years later, through perfecting my techniques and skills, I can proudly say that my baked goods are finally somewhat decent. I even baked a cake for a family friend's birthday! It was a delightful experience to see everyone enjoying my creation, which motivated me to experiment with different recipes. Recently, I've taken my passion a step further by starting my own baking business. I aim to donate some of my profits to charity in the future, hoping to spread joy not just through my treats but also by giving back to those in need.
The reason for joining Charity in Action
Shared by: Baron, Year 9, Churchill
In recent years, there have been a lot of wars happening around the world. For example, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the ongoing wars in Israel and Palestine. I started to become concerned about this similar news over the last two years. One day, I was looking and searching about the latest news for Gaza on Douyin (TikTok) and I saw someone posting videos about providing food to refugees from the bombed areas in Gaza. This set of videos gave me a wide range of inspirations about doing similar episodes. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to stay at home for over 3 months. This highly changed my mind. At first, I still had the passion about hosting an event. But after the amount of time that I was locked at home, my passion and motivation about hosting donations to help the refugees started to gradually diminish.
Until recently, I started to track the news about some important wars again. Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has finally ended. This means that there won't be any big obstacles now for me to host donations. Since I joined the charity SCA, I started to plan different charity events on campus. During the hot June, I noticed there would be a charity event about world refugees. So, I started planning for this sale. I noticed that milk tea has become more popular, so using this method could increase the donations and gain more support.
Helping others
Shared by: Max, Year 8, Lyon
Last year, my class decided to do something meaningful to help people in our community who were struggling with poverty. We learned about how many families don't have enough food or necessities, and we wanted to make a difference. Our teacher organised a project where we could all contribute. We brainstormed ideas and decided to hold a food drive. Everyone in our class was excited! We created posters and announced the food drive during morning assembly, encouraging other classes to join us.
For a whole month, we collected non-perishable food items like canned goods, pasta, and snacks. I remember how everyone pitched in some students brought in extra items from home, while others donated money to buy food. It was amazing to see our classroom fill up with boxes and bags of food.
One day, we sorted all the donations into different categories. We laughed and chatted as we worked together, feeling proud of what we were doing. It felt good to know that our efforts would help people in need.
At the end of the month, we loaded everything into cars and took it to the local food bank. When we arrived, the volunteers greeted us warmly. They were so grateful for our contributions and explained how the food would go to families in need.
As we unloaded the boxes, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. It was heartwarming to know that our class, working together, could make a positive impact. We learned that even small actions can lead to big changes in our community.
This experience taught me the importance of kindness and teamwork. Helping others brought us closer together as a class and reminded us that everyone can make a difference, no matter how young we are. I'll always remember that feeling of giving back and being part of something bigger than myself.
Annual Beach Cleanup
Shared by: Shuai, Year 12, Churchill
Every year, there is an annual gathering for a cleanup, which I have attended multiple times, where over a hundred volunteers gather to clear the beaches of Hong Kong. People are split into groups and travel to different sites around Hong Kong, ready with gloves and trash bags, prepared for a full day of work to improve the community's environment. Charities like Eco Drive and Project C raised funds during the cleanup by selling recycled plastic transformed into reusable bags, raising over £3,000 from small stall sales.
The community often collaborates when events like these occur; a small café near one of the sites offers drinks for the volunteers. Small groups of people also help occasionally with the cleanup, and awareness of environmental issues is raised throughout the day. Despite the event being short, it was effective and strongly influential for those who witnessed the change in the environment. The beaches no longer had a layer of plastic waste covering the sand, and the streets were free of waste cluttering the sidewalks. This event serves as a testament to the strong bond of the community.
After finishing the day's work, everyone celebrated the feeling of accomplishment as we worked to slowly improve the environment.
Malala Yousafzai
Shared by: Hugo, Year 10, Churchill & Ethan, Year 10, Sun
Another well-known inspirational story is that of Malala Yousafzai. Born in 1997 in Pakistan's Swat Valley, Malala was an outspoken advocate for girls' education from a young age. Inspired by her father, who ran a school, she believed that every girl had the right to learn.
In 2009, at just 11 years old, Malala began blogging for the BBC Urdu, detailing her life under Taliban rule, where girls were forbidden from attending school. Her courage to speak out made her a target, and in 2012, she was shot by a Taliban gunman while riding a bus home from school.
Despite the attack, Malala survived and continued her advocacy on a global scale. She co-authored the memoir "I Am Malala," which brought attention to the plight of girls seeking education worldwide. In 2014, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.
Malala established the Malala Fund, which supports education initiatives for girls in various countries. Her story illustrates how a personal experience of injustice can ignite a powerful movement for change, inspiring millions to champion education and equality for all.
Blake Mycoskie and TOMS Shoes
Shared by: Jesse, Year 10, Peel
Blake Mycoskie, an American entrepreneur, founded TOMS Shoes in 2006 with a simple yet powerful mission: for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS would donate a pair to a child in need. This one-for-one business model revolutionised charitable giving by integrating it directly into commerce.
While travelling in Argentina, Blake witnessed many children without shoes, which put them at risk of infections and injuries. Moved by them, he decided to create a company that could help solve this problem sustainably.
Since its inception, TOMS has donated over 96 million pairs of shoes to children in need worldwide. The company expanded its giving model to include eyewear, clean water, and safe birth services.
Blake's approach inspired a new wave of social entrepreneurship, encouraging businesses to embed charity into their core operations. This story is inspiring because it shows how a simple idea can create massive social impact. It empowers consumers to make a difference through everyday purchases and highlights the power of empathy and innovation in addressing global issues. Blake Mycoskie's story reminds us that charity doesn't have to be separate from business or daily life. With creativity and heart, anyone can contribute to making the world a better place.
Amina’s Story of Perseverance
Shared by: Ethan, Year 10, Peel
Amina, a girl from a small community in Kenya, had a terrible life. Her family was quite poor, and she frequently missed school to help her mother get water and care for her younger siblings. Amina aspired to be a doctor so that she could serve her neighbourhood members.
One day, an organisation called "Hope for Tomorrow" visited her area. They intended to help girls attend school. When they learnt of Amina's desire, they offered her a scholarship, school supplies, and a mentorship. Amina worked hard at school and even assisted her classmates who were struggling.
Years later, Amina finished at the top of her class and was accepted into a good institution. She stayed in touch with "Hope for Tomorrow" and offered to help encourage younger females. Her story inspired many others in her village, demonstrating that aspirations can be realised with the right support and effort.
Amina is now a doctor and leader in her village. She now fights for girls' education and healthcare. She opened a small clinic to ensure that families could receive medical care. Amina's story shows how charity and community support can transform lives, demonstrating that one person's goal can boost an entire community.
I Met a Remarkable Person
Shared by: David, Year 12, Shaftesbury
Last summer, I came to the UK on a school trip. During that trip, there was an event where we met with people from local charities in Harrow School, London, who were invited to our school. Although the event seemed not so interesting at first, I now see it as one of the most inspiring experiences of the trip. I met a man who lives with significant physical disabilities. He has to eat through a tube and is bound to a wheelchair. It was the first time I had met someone in such a condition—in the past, I had only seen or heard about people like him. Despite his challenges, he maintained an incredibly optimistic outlook on life.
I was truly inspired by his positivity. Though limited physically, he was certainly not limited in spirit or mind. He was a cheerful and vibrant person, always wearing a big smile. Equally inspiring was the woman who volunteered to help him. She was selfless and compassionate, clearly prioritising his well-being above all else. Her dedication and kindness were deeply moving. She chose to offer her time and effort to support someone in need, driven by a desire to make her community a better place for everyone—regardless of their physical abilities.
Meeting them both opened my eyes and heart. It reminded me of the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of kindness and compassion.
Meaningful Interactions on a School Trip
Shared by: Brendan, Year 12, Churchill
We walked to a private farm and interacted with a local man who was extremely grateful for our company. My group and I helped this farmer pick pineapples, pulling out weeds and wild grass. It was a strenuous task which involved effort in clearing out the debris. The farmer was remarkably thankful for our help as he had been through a poor harvest season prior to our arrival. The activity was oddly enjoyable and exciting, and it intrigues me to this day that such a simple group activity can lead to such enthusiasm and gratitude demonstrated by the farmer.
We were distributing food in the women's shelter and teaching children English, conversing with them. This includes single women who have been through a divorce and are left to support and care for their children. I realised how fortunate us students are compared to the locals, as we never have to bear the burden of looming challenges like hunger or malnutrition. We engaged with the children of Fiji and locals by playing physical, active games with the children. I learnt to interact with children that are far younger than myself, as well as ways to make them more engaged in reading and speaking activities.
Furthermore, our group visited a rural village. We were busy constructing, layering roads, and building toilets. We acknowledged the water shortage problem, as well as the fact that they lacked such basic amenities as toilets and proper flushing systems. I enjoyed the experience of mixing cement and smothering the bare ground to make a path. A torrent of sensations washed over me as we left the village, as I felt successful in creating something that is important for public use.
