From HK Refugee Camp to Hollywood

“Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive.”

The world listened in wrapt attention last week as Ke Huy Quan, the first Asian to ever be awarded an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, exhorted us to pursue our goals, no matter how daunting the journey. And he should know, as his life journey includes being a refugee in Hong Kong’s Vietnamese Boat People camps!

After the awards Quan opened up to interviewers about the trauma he experienced as a refugee: what it was like to be uprooted and stateless, his family being ripped apart and to be despised.

My life-long commitment to refugees started on the other side of the world in Liverpool, England in 1983 and at Christian Action (formerly named Hong Kong Christian Aid to Refugees) 4 years later in 1987, when I came to Hong Kong.

Our goal is to ameliorate the suffering of the disadvantaged in our midst, just like the refugees, - which is why we will be holding our annual three-legged race again! The funds raised by this race will be used to support underprivileged children, in order to help each individual grow up with hope, self-confidence and good health. The walk will be held on Saturday, May 13th 2023, in association with the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club and I would love you to bring your family and join in!

The three-legged race is held over a hilly 3.5 kilometer course, and symbolizes the innumerable challenges that the less fortunate among us have to live with. While we can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the course, the event also features a carnival-style tent set-up where participants may enjoy inflatable games, workshops, and interactive games!

The three-legged fundraiser race is always popular, so please register before the April 30th deadline, or donate to support us.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Siew Mei

‘It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.’ Joshua 24:17

Vietnamese refugees leaving Hong Kong