Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in Hong Kong and its complications can be fatal. Before drug prescription, patients can actually prevent deterioration by changing their diet and exercise habit. To raise elderly’s awareness of diabetes, HKYWCA Elderly Service Department joined hands with Hong Kong Peace Lions Club and the Chinese Cheongsam Association (HK) to organise a lecture tour to promote the "3L1H Healthy Diet" and distribute anti-epidemic gift bags with masks to the participants. 

The donation from Flag Day has been an important source of income for the Association’s self-financed services. Many a little makes a mickle, especially at this time of economic adversity. However, in view of the volatility of the epidemic, the Association has decided to cancel the outdoor flag selling event for the safety and health of the public and the volunteers. Yet, people in need are still queueing to be assisted. We, therefore, urge for your support to the Gold Flag campaign which offers us an alternative to raise funds for the service users. 

As the threat of the pandemic has slightly subsided, schools are preparing for students to resume classes. The Association’s Y Family has collaborated with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust under “JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network” and released guidelines on class resumption for primary school students, parents and teachers.

During the first half of the year, Hong Kong has been in the shadow of the pandemic, and people have practised social distancing by staying at home. HKYWCA's Sydney Leong Holiday Lodge (“Lodge”) in San Shek Wan, South Lantau Island, was also temporarily closed to meet anti-epidemic regulations. As epidemic situation stabilizes, the Lodge reopens in mid-May and launches the "Happy Family Camp" package, which allows families to enjoy campsite activities with accommodation and meals at a discount price until July 15.

Under the influence of the epidemic, many local grassroots families have to deal with extra financial burden. Parent-child relationship is also prone to problems as parents generally spend more time to take care of their children who do not need to go to school. Therefore, HKYWCA launched the “Fighting Against COVID-19 with Love” project in May. On top of food and hygiene supplies, it provided vulnerable families “home-based training kits” that facilitated effective parent-child home training.

The Association’s Butterfly Bay Integrated Social Service Centre organised “Play with Kids” programmes to offer interesting and meaningful online activities for children aged between 5 and 8. 

Recently, citizens have been busy maintaining normal life and fighting the epidemic. Spending extra time to take care of the elderly at home can be harsh. The Association’s Y Senior Care hence provides home care services, including stand-in for foreign domestic helpers, home-based support and buying service, for elderly over 60 years old. These services benefit both the elderly and their caretakers.

Stand-in for foreign domestic helpers

It is essential to show great concern for others during the outbreak of coronavirus disease. Many social centers are closed because of the epidemic, disconnecting the retirees with the society. Yet, the public may not understand the emotional needs of this group of elderly. Luckily, Swire Properties has noticed their needs and hence launched "Dial a Lo Yau Gei 2.0" project in cooperation with Ming Yue District Elderly Community Centre.

HKYWCA Women Affairs Department started a programme in February, to collect the anti-epidemic goods from the society and re-distribute the items to underprivileged women and elderly, single-parent families and cleansing workers. We wish to enhance collaboration among community for preventive work.

DSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination), which had been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak, finally began on April 24. Candidates have to not only deal with the exams but also worry about the shortage of anti-epidemic supplies. Thanks to the donation from different parties, HKYWCA has prepared and distributed “DSE Support Bags” to more than 250 students free of charge through our Centres in Sha Tin and Tseung Kwan O.