YMCA builds bridges in the Greater Bay Area with six new social service collaborations
In response to the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address which called for proactive alignment with national strategies, deeper integration into the country’s development, and enhanced collaboration with Guangdong and Macao, We have taken the lead in forging partnerships with four social service organisations across the Greater Bay Area to jointly advance the development of social services in the region.
On 18 October 2025, our President, Dr. Arnold Cheng, joined representatives from our Greater Bay Area partner organisations for the opening ceremony of Connecting Hearts Guangdong office and signing ceremony for social service co-operation projects in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The event was a great success, with all six of our innovative cooperation projects being officially approved as “Connecting Hearts” recognised Greater Bay Area social service projects, a truly encouraging achievement
Our partners and projects include:
- Guangzhou YMCA: “Guangzhou YMCA Walking Football Pilot Programme” and “Sports Therapy Pilot Programme for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)”
- 廣州粵港澳大灣區社會組織合作發展中心: “Beautiful Greater Bay Area Volunteer Teams Cooperation Scheme” and “Youth Volunteer Service, Youth Social Service Capacity Building, and Project Cooperation & Exchange”
- Shenzhen Longgang Zhengyang Social Work Service Centre: “Greater Bay Area Innovative Social Service Collaboration Scheme”
- Huimin Social Work Service Centre in Huizhou: “Huizhou-Hong Kong Innovative Social Service Collaboration Scheme”
To mark the official launch of these initiatives, we held a “Greater Bay Area Social Service Cooperation Projects – Unit Appointment Ceremony” on 12 November. Our various service units are now gearing up to collaborate closely with our partners from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Huizhou, to cover a wide range of service areas, including health and wellness, support for seniors, services for SEN children and volunteering. Through training and sharing sessions, we aim to promote knowledge sharing and apply practical experience on the ground.
Looking ahead, we will continue to be a driving force in the Greater Bay Area’s social service development, and work hand-in-hand with our partners across the region to inject new energy into our communities and build a brighter future together
Wong Yi Chau Youth Campsite Open Day 2025
This Christmas, our Wong Yi Chau Youth Camp is delighted to host its annual Open Day! We invite you to embark on an adventure, enjoy the beauty of nature, challenge yourself, and immerse yourselves in a wonderful festive atmosphere.
A series of exciting activities awaits you, including tree climbing challenge, zip-lining, mobile rope course, fun with archery, gingerbread man making workshop, creative wood slice painting.
This is a wonderful opportunity to unleash your creativity and make warm memories with your family.
For just HK$80 admission fee per person (one price for all ages, round-trip ferry fare included), you can take part in the activities and choose from four ferry schedules to easily plan your itinerary. Participants who purchase an Orienteering Activity Voucher (HK$20/voucher) will receive a complimentary polaroid photo to capture your wonderful moments forever. A special promotional snack set (HK$20/set) will also be available.
The event is open to the public and most activities are suitable for those aged 6 and above, making it perfect for families and friends. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with payment arrangements. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out!
Registration: https://forms.gle/voHmu3ussmiALZyw7
Enquiries: 2792 4516
YMCA puts ESG principles into action — Honoured with the prestigious "HKMA Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2025"
We have long been committed to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into our daily operations and strategic planning. This year marks another significant milestone, as we were honoured to receive the “HKMA Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2025 – Special Award for NGO/NPO/Social Enterprise”. This is the first time we have received an award from the HKMA, and it serves as a powerful testament to our efforts and achievements on our sustainability journey.
The award ceremony was officiated by Chief Executive Mr. John Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM. His presence made the occasion particularly meaningful and has served as a great encouragement to our team.
We firmly believe that the practice of sustainable development relies on the joint efforts of the community and the corporate sector. This year, our “Y-Care CSR Scheme” celebrates its 10th anniversary, with nearly 200 corporate partners having worked alongside us on this journey. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our corporate partners for their unwavering support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, fundraising, and volunteer services, which enable us to bring care to every corner of the community.
This prestigious honour further motivates us to continue working hand in hand with all sectors of society to build a sustainable future for all.
Find out more:
Y-Care CSR Scheme & List of Corporate Partners: https://ymca.org.hk/ycare/ycare-list/
YMCA’s Work on ESG: https://ymca.org.hk/publications/sustainability/
Service Enhancement and Renaming of Our Two Sheltered Workshops*
In response to the Social Welfare Department’s (SWD) announcement this year regarding the service enhancement of all sheltered workshops in Hong Kong, all such units will be transformed into “Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Services Centres” with effect from October 2025.
In line with this development, our two existing sheltered workshops have also undergone service enhancements and have been renamed as the Home of Love Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Services Centre (formerly Home of Love-Sheltered Workshop) and the Home of Love – Yung Shing Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Services Centre (formerly Home of Love – Yung Shing Sheltered Workshop).
Going forward, the two centres will continue to provide trainees with disabilities with a diverse range of vocational training, including foundational employment courses, advanced skills training, as well as services such as work placements, on-the-job trials, and support for open employment. These services are designed to help our trainees gradually build their self-confidence and move towards greater independence in their career development.
The Harbourview receives Expedia Campaign Powerhouse Award
The Harbourview is proud to announce that it has been awarded the “Expedia Campaign Powerhouse Award 2025” by the world-leading travel platform, Expedia Group.
This prestigious award not only recognises the exceptional strategies and innovative thinking of The Harbourview’s marketing team, but also commends the hostel’s success in enhancing its Global Visibility and Booking Effectiveness through a close partnership with Expedia.
The team at The Harbourview would like to express its sincere gratitude to all our guests and our partners at Expedia for their invaluable support. The hostel remains committed to delivering outstanding accommodation experiences and value to travellers worldwide as we strive for even greater achievements in the future.
YMCA volunteers embrace service at the National Games
We are deeply committed to promoting youth volunteerism and encouraging young people to contribute their talents at major national events.
This year, a group of 45 of our volunteers have been officially appointed by the Organising Committee to serve at the National Games. Beginning in November, they will be deployed to various roles at different competitions, including the track cycling events, followed by the wheelchair fencing competitions in December. Furthermore, more than 20 of our youth volunteers have already completed their training, and are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
This is more than just a major sporting event; it is an invaluable opportunity for young people to embody the spirit of service and broaden their horizons. We warmly invite more young people to join our volunteer team to make a meaningful impact and bring positive energy to the community through the power of volunteering.
“Sounds of Youth” A positive Live Band Show
Funded by the Foundation of Youth Self-Realisation Scheme, local youth band Midnight Molly hosted the “Sounds of Youth” A positive Live Band Show with the theme “Releasing Emotions Through Music” to promote mental wellbeing.
The concert was co-organised by fund applicants Joe and Joyce, in collaboration with our Chai Wan Centre, and took place on the evening of 10 October in the basement of the Fringe Club. The event featured performances from Midnight Molly and four other local youth bands, who shared their musical journeys and discussed ways to soothe emotions and promote mental wellbeing with an audience of around 110 people. Mr. Yang Kut Si, Chairman of the Foundation of Youth Self-Realisation Scheme’s Executive Committee, also attended to show his support. He shared that the performances were not just a display of creativity and passion, but also an interpretation and fusion of cultures, connecting everyone through music and adding profound significance to the event.
Through live performances of their original pop songs, the bands shared their personal stories of growth and their methods for coping with stress. They also described how they transform everyday emotions into creative inspiration. In particular, Midnight Molly performed “Wave”, the theme song of the “Sounds of Youth” project, using its powerful lyrics and melody to encourage everyone to face life’s challenges with a positive attitude.
The concert inspired more young people to be mindful of their own emotional needs and those of others, and to cultivate an attitude of mutual care and positivity. The atmosphere on the night was electric. The bands and audience formed a strong connection through the music, creating a warm and intimate scene filled with its healing power.
“Setting Sail in Service + V-finity 18” Opening and Group Commissioning Ceremony
With sponsorship from the Kwun Tong District Office, our Kwun Tong Centre held the “Setting Sail in Service + V-finity 18” Opening and Group Commissioning Ceremony at Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village this September. The event attracted a total of 109 members from 14 of our long-term groups.
The event commenced with an encouraging address from Mr. Verdi Lai, our Coordinating Secretary, followed by a sermon from Reverend Tanya Au, in-charge of our Christian Work Department. Together with the centre’s officer and a youth member representative, they presided over the commissioning ceremony and the official launch of the volunteer services, and inspired the group members to make full use of their talents and carry on our service spirit, with the goal of expanding volunteer services to all 18 districts of Hong Kong and reaching more communities in need.
Following the ceremony, the volunteers and guests of honour came together for a barbecue dinner. In the pleasant surroundings of Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village, they connected with one another, further strengthening their sense of community and spirit of cooperation, and marking the beginning of a new chapter for the year’s volunteer services.
As city dwellers who often work overtime and frequently perform repetitive motions, we are more susceptible to joint pain or sports injuries that can affect our quality of life. The Association’s Health Care Professions Department is launching a regular monthly column and publishing short articles about self-care. Topics covered will include arthritis, joint pain and self-healing. For more detailed health-related information, please visit our website: hcp.ymca.org.hk or call 2783 3616for inquiries.
Mother’s Thumb Isn’t Just for Moms
De Quervain’s Disease, commonly known as “Mother’s Thumb” is a painful condition caused by thickening of tendon sheath or swelling of the tendon of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus which are located at the side of the wrist and base of the thumb. Pain, weakness or catching sensation may occur at lateral aspect of wrist or thumb during movement of thumb and wrist.
This disease is commonly known as “mother’s thumb” because the mothers of newborns may need to lift their baby frequently leading to overuse of thumb and wrist.
Apart from them, office workers and individuals who use mobile phones for a lengthy time also have a greater risk of suffering from this disease due to repetitive thumb and wrist movements.
De Quervain’s is associated with impaired gliding of the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) muscles.
APL is the prime mover for thumb abduction and contributes to wrist radial deviation and assists with thumb extension. EPB is the prime mover for thumb extension at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.
The following exercises can help relieve symptoms and strengthen the related muscle group:
Stretching Exercise: Wrist & Thumb Stretch
- Tuck your thumb into the palm
- Wrap your fingers over the thumb
- Slowly bend your wrist downward
FITT:
Initial: Hold for 15 seconds, 3 sets daily
Progression:
Hold for 30–60 seconds, 3 sets daily
*Stretch sensation is felt on the thumb side of the forearm
Strengthening exercises:
A) Wrist radial deviation
B) Wrist flexion plus radial deviation with dunbbell
C) Finger extension with rubber-band
D) Finger extension with rubber-band
FITT: Initial: 10–12 reps, 3 sets, 2–3 times per week
Progression: 15 reps, 4 sets, 3 times per week
Reference:
Rutkowski, M., & Rutkowski, K. (2023). Potential effects, diagnosis, and management of De Quervain Tenosynovitis in the aesthetics community: A Brief Review, Case Example, and Illustrative Exercises. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 16(9 Suppl 2). S28–S31.
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