Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

In partnership with Arup, one of our Y-Care corporate partners, the Association recently organised an “Arts and the Community” event to increase awareness of Hong Kong’s historic properties and old shops and promote the conservation of our heritage. Led by volunteers from Arup, the event included a series of activities with three main highlights: “Old District Guided Walking Tour”, “City Scratch and Sketch” and “Craft-making”, all of which helped teenagers from across Hong Kong identify and understand their collective responsibility towards the city’s cultural heritage.

Arup’s volunteers came from all parts of the company: civil engineers, architects, urban planners, designers, and other areas. They all worked together to research and curate the guided tour itinerary, prepare and give presentations about the chosen historic spots, and plan interactive activities. The volunteers familiarised the participating teenagers with the old district of Yau Ma Tei through a fun urban exploration. Sites included the Red Brick Building, Sze Cheung, the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, the Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market, and the Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle. The participants captured these fascinating and historically complex sites with their own eyes by making sketches of them.

After the tour, the participants took part in craft-making workshops,  bamboo steamer painting and making metal hexagonal pen holders to demonstrate that they value and appreciate these traditional artefacts that span both culture and time. Taking what they learned on the tour, they used their observations, knowledge and experience to create unique works that embody their souls and memories.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, the Association’s Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village is organising overnight Family Nature Camps to strengthen family bonds by promoting face-to-face communication and time away from online activities. Planned activities include hiking, visiting the Grace Youth Camp and participating in team-building games. There will be a picnic on the second day, with campers cooking delicious meals in the wild using simple ingredients.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities and spending time in nature with their children, or those who are just seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city – this camp is simply unmissable!

Dates: 6-7 May OR 13-14 May

Time: 11:00am on the first day to 1:30pm on the following day

Venue: Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village

Targets: Seven years old and above

Quota: Six family units per camp

Fee: $3,500 per family (maximum four members), including camping, meal and activity fees.

Deadline: Five days before the camp

Online application: https://portal.ymca.org.hk/en-us/Home#/

If you have any questions, please call 2642 9420 and ask for Woody.

Ever since 2019, the Association has been actively basing on following the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, making investments that follow implementing sound environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles investing. Since 2022, we have also been and following “the YMCA Vision 2030” to promote sustainability in Hong Kong. In addition to publishing our ESG Impact Report, we are working to hope to resolutely integrate ESG principles into all levels of our operations. We will continue to share significant Any updates onto our ESG work will be regularly shared with our members in this column.

YMCA’s Two Hostels Receive “Hong Kong Awards For Environmental Excellence” and “ECH₂O” Awards

In recognition of the Association’s efforts to promote green initiatives and sustainable standards, The Cityview and The Harbourview were honoured with Certificates of Merit in the Hotels and Recreational Clubs category at the “2021 Hong Kong Awards For Environmental Excellence”, presented by the government’s Environmental Campaign Committee and the Environment and Ecology Bureau. The certificates were given for the hostels’ remarkable environmental performance and effective green business operations management.

Meanwhile, both hostels were also recognised for their outstanding water conservation performance at the “ECH₂O Awards 2022”, presented by the Water Supplies Department and Green Council. Receiving the “Sectorial Cherish Water Award” and the “Cherish Water Achievement Award”, The Cityview performed exceptionally well in both reducing and conserving water, ranking in top 10% in terms of water efficiency in 2022. The Harbourview also received an award for participating in the Water Efficient Device Installation Commendation Scheme, which recognises the fact that the hostel has installed water-efficient devices in over 90% of the building.