An Outstanding Young Person

At our annual Christmas Party, we celebrate with all our colleagues and acknowledge those who have worked with us for a long time. This year, a particular recipient of a long service award was Jeffrey Andrews. Jeff has worked with CA for a decade! It has been a pleasure to see Jeff's fantastic journey from being a troubled youth to now being a community leader in Hong Kong. He always champions the needs of our refugees, asylum seekers, and ethnic minorities.

Jeff has worked with us
for over 10 years

For those who may not know his story, Jeff faced struggles and discrimination because he was an Indian in Hong Kong. That led him to get involved in organised crime. His life turned around for the better after an unforgettable run-in with the law. After being shown kindness and mercy, he was inspired to do better. He eventually began working at Christian Action, where he obtained his degree, and became one of the first registered Ethnic Minority social workers!

Jeff's work has not gone unnoticed, and he has received numerous awards for his professional and personal contribution. Most recently, he was recognised as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of 2019! That was wonderful because there are numerous individuals who have excelled in their endeavours and unselfish contributions to the community! Apart from that Jeff and his family were awarded the silver prize in the Great Family Award Ceremony. Every time I see him receiving awards on stage, I have remembered how we have travelled the road with him through his ups and downs.

The tour was well received
by many people

The awards Jeff received have further fuelled his passion to serve others. He is involved with even more projects to promote his advocacy of social integration. For example, he conducted the cultural tour around Chungking Mansions which encouraged people to learn more about the various EM cultures in Hong Kong. This helped to raise awareness of our ethnic minority brothers and sisters. It also brings a better understanding between the locals and the ethnic minority community. I was touched that these acts won the hearts of many people and achieved resounding success.

I am truly blessed to be a part of the journey of an empowered and driven person like Jeff, who always puts his heart into serving those in need. I pray that he continues to embody Christ through his service and continues to touch even more lives. May he be an inspiration for everyone to show more love for refugees, ethnic minority friends and people in need.