Mandela Day 2022

Mandela Day 2022

Join the Southern African Association of Hong Kong and the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa this Mandela Day and brighten up a child in need’s birthday by using your 67 minutes to put together a gift bag for the less fortunate children of Hong Kong.

“Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.”

Inequality continues to grow in our world, and the destructive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed existing disparities and damaged vulnerable communities in all kinds of ways. This year’s call to action is universally inclusive: identify those in need around you and do what you can to make a difference for them.

This year SAAHK and the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa will focus on the most vulnerable members of our society – the children. We are donating gift bags to Birthday Happiness Asia to hand out at their July birthday parties for needy children. The recipients include children from ethnic minorities, children living in caged homes and children living in sub-standard public housing. You can support these children in Hong Kong by putting together a gift bag to brighten up their July birthday party.

What can I put in the gift bags?

Should I provide an actual gift bag or just the contents?

For practicality and uniformity, SAAHK will provide and package all the gift bag contents into small backpacks – 7L, 30 cm (H) x 22 cm (W). You can just put your gift bag contents in a shopping bag / plastic bag to keep it together for easier drop-off. If you would like to receive feedback on the delivery and birthday party, please attach your name and email address to your delivery.

New or gently used items?

While we are great supporters of the circular economy, in this particular instance we kindly request that all donations be new items due to hygiene concerns in light of the current situation.

How big should the items be?

Your gifts will be packed into small backpacks – 7L, 30 cm (H) x 22 cm (W). Please refrain from buying bulky toys and books.

Do I need to buy everything on the list?

“Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.” Please feel free to contribute whatever you can and choose to include (keeping the size of the bag in mind). The birthday girls and boys will appreciate any contribution to their special day.

How old are the recipients?

The children vary in age but they are all in primary school.

Girls or boys?

Please try to buy gender-neutral goodies as far as possible to make your gift bag more versatile.

 

Drop-off Points:

HK Island
Suite 1906-8,19/F Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
12 – 20 July (Mondays to Fridays)
10:00 to 14:00

 

Lucky House, Corner of 17-21 Burrows Street Shop No. 4, G/F, Wan Chai
12 – 20 July
Monday to Tuesday – 08:30 to 18:00
Wednesday to Sunday – 08:30 to 20:00

 

Discovery Bay
Stall 91 at the Discovery Bay Market
10 July (Sunday) – 10:00 to 18:00

 

G101 DB Plaza South, Discovery Bay
12 – 20 July (Mondays to Sundays) – 10:00 to 20:00

 

Sai Kung
3Tai Building
Ground Floor, 3 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung (next to The Hive)
12 – 20 July (Mondays to Fridays)
09:00 to 18:00
(Drop-off box in the gym on the ground floor right as you enter the door. The South African Shop warehouse is also in this location on the 1/F so feel free to pop in, say hi and check out a few goodies from home too!)

 

Ground Floor, 211 Wong Chuk Wan Village, Tai Mong Tsai Road
12 – 20 July (Mondays to Sundays)
09:00 to 20:00
(Drop-off in the box outside the front door, garden side.)

 

 I can’t make it to any of the drop-off points. How can I contribute?

If you are unable to reach the drop-off points but would still like to donate a gift bag, please email saahkinfo@gmail.com to arrange an alternative drop-off time on Hong Kong Island before 20 July. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at saahkinfo@gmail.com

 

About Birthday Happiness Asia

Birthday Happiness Asia brings joy to less fortunate children in Hong Kong by organising their birthday celebrations with cake, decorations, games, and gifts. They work with partnering organisations such as Caritas, SoCo and The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong to nominate celebrants who cannot afford to celebrate their birthdays. A birthday party is then organised, and the celebrant can invite their friends and family to join them for an unforgettable day. These birthday parties provide vulnerable children, who live otherwise challenging lives, with long-lasting happy memories of their birthdays – something every child deserves.

Read their feature in SCMP here.

 

Thank you for making a child’s birthday extra special this Mandela Day!

 

SAAHK and the SACG would like to thank the following community partners for assisting with drop-off points: