Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Superheroes wear spandex, a cape and are showered in adoration. But not Hong Kong’s Carers. The media is replete with stories of Carers whom make superhuman sacrifices on behalf of their charges, yet suffer from loneliness, isolation and depression.

What would become of Hong Kong’s elderly relatives or children with special learning needs were it not for Carers? We read of the many tragedies that befall Carers, when their caregiving duties become intolerable and they are unable to seek assistance, or when they’re unable to release the pent-up emotions within them.

Jesus Christ called on us to bear one another’s burdens - but who is helping Carers? After meeting with a many Carers and hearing story-after-story of heroic efforts and the crushing weight and loneliness that comes with their service, Christian Action developed a brand new programme that we call ‘Here to Connect’.

Recognizing that nobody understands the challenges of caring more than Carers themselves, a major part of the programme revolves around a ‘Carer Mutual Help Group’. It includes peer-to-peer help, the sharing experiences, supporting each other and promoting care information in the community. Service users can have free use of our Leisure Tea Room, enjoy a nice cup of tea, relax and meet friends. We also organize activities like handicrafts and skin beauty handicrafts, to help Carers unwind.

A second component of ‘Here to Connect’ is the ‘Carer Support Service’, which teaches stress reduction techniques, health and nursing skills talks, and lessons on how to prepare nutritious food for themselves and their charges.

The first phase of the project launched last month and will run until May.

We want to bless the Carers and let them know that they are not alone, which is why the program is completely free. To fund this programme, a portion of the proceeds from this year's Season of Love’s Charity Cookies Sales will go to the "Here to Connect" programme to directly support Carers. Until 31st January, 2024, a gift box of cookies will only cost HK$118. Your kind purchases for your family and friends will mean that you are lending them a helping hand to release their burdens.

For this Season of Love, don’t miss out, share the burden and bless generously. Click here to order.

From everyone at Christian Action, I would also like to wish all our dear friends and donors far and near, a very blessed New Year of 2024.

Thank you
Siew Mei