About Us

The Pagoda

The pagoda symbolizes The Community Chest because according to ancient Chinese culture, it is an architectural form associated with good spirits, as well as being in turn a symbol of the benevolence of the people who are protected by such spirits. The towering structure represents not only the aggregate of people’s good works but also the accumulation of their blessings and fortune. Since 1968, the Chest’s pagoda has stood sentinel over the changing face of Hong Kong and is a testimony to the generosity of Hong Kong people.

The Beginning

The dramatic growth of Hong Kong’s population in the 1960s came with social problems that caught the attention of the international community, this was followed by the arrival of welfare agencies and religious organizations which helped relieve the problems with cash and supplies.

As Hong Kong’s economic growth started to pick up toward the end of the decade, some international agencies began to leave, creating a gap in the social welfare system. As a result, local agencies had to compete with each other for donations to maintain their services. To improve the situation, a group of community leaders including the late the Hon P Y Tang, the late Lady Fung Ping-fan, the late Lady Hogan and Dr Samson Sun came up with the idea of a “community fund” to raise money on behalf of all agencies, thus eliminating competition among them in their fund-raising efforts and providing them with the resources to focus on service delivery – this was the beginning of The Community Chest of Hong Kong.

The Community Chest of Hong Kong was founded on 8 November 1968 with a fund-raising target of HK$6 million. The amount raised exceeded the target in under three months, and benefitted the 43 agencies it funded in its early years of operation.

Today, The Community Chest of Hong Kong prides itself in raising funds on behalf of over 160 local member agencies in six major areas of services: children & youth, elderly, family & child welfare, medical & health, rehabilitation & aftercare, and community development, making every effort to contribute to a better Hong Kong.

Role

to ensure that 100% of all donations go to the member agencies, without deduction of administration expenses;
to develop a stringent and transparent allocation and monitoring system to ensure that donations are put to best use in funding services of greatest needs, and to those not supported by the government;
to develop a stringent and transparent system to review the applications of, and admissions of new member agencies;
to work towards building a caring society by fostering a culture of giving by the community

Mission

to raise funds through community wide appeals on behalf of member social welfare agencies;
to act as trustee of the donors and allocate funds prudently to our agencies to provide quality services to those in need;
to serve donors who wish to support a wide range of services funded by the Chest in six major areas

The Organisation

The Community Chest of Hong Kong is a corporation established under the Community Chest of Hong Kong Ordinance in 1968. It is an independent, non-profit making organisation neither funded nor operated by the Government. The Community Chest is governed by a Board of business and community leaders.

Under the Board, there are the Executive, Campaign, Public Relations, and Admissions, Budgets & Allocations Committees, and sub-committees served by over 300 professionals from their respective fields. Day-to-day administration and implementation of fund-raising and other activities of the Chest are supported by some 40 staff members, headed by the Chief Executive.

Please click the color boxes to view our member list

Milestone

1968/1969

Established on 8 November 1968, fund-raising work started a week later
Three staff members; fund-raising target of HK$6 million
Fund-raising slogan : Sympathize with the suffering poor, help them with your donation
Funding 43 member agencies in the first year of operation

1969/1970

Number of member agencies increased to 60
200 donation boxes at banks, department stores and restaurants
193,000 appeal letters sent out
Beneficiaries included people from 1000 families living in huts who had lost their homes to two fire incidents – donations were made through the Salvation Army

1970/1971

Number of donors rose to 80,000

Key fund-raising events:

A ‘Dollar-a-Month’ Campaign targeted factory workers – the campaign was the precursor of the Employee Contribution Programme
The first ‘Hong Kong Island Walk’ was held on 7 February 1971 with 4,622 participants and HK$433,936 was raised; the first ‘Kowloon and New Territories Walk’ was held on 21 February 1971 with 7,937 participants and HK$557,288 was raised

1971/1972

Number of donors grew to over 578,000
On 14 May 1971，the Community Chest of Hong Kong was gazetted as a charitable institution which meant that donations became tax-exempt
An anonymous donor donated 5,600 pounds of spaghetti to the Children’s Meals Society

Key fund-raising events:

Two “Walk for Millions” raised HK$1.5 million
Introduction of the laisee campaign to appeal to young people to donate their laisee money

1972/1973

Number of donors increased to over 751,000
Over HK$10 million was raised
65 member social welfare agencies

1973/1974

General Reserve was set up to provide for the years when fund-raising targets are not reached
Number of donors reached one million
First member agency visit was organized to enhance donors’ understanding of the agencies

Key fund-raising event:

The Hong Kong Walk for Millions which started from three different locations and drew 16,000 participants

1974/1975

First “New Territories Walk for Millions”

1975/1976

An anonymous donor known as “Mr Ten Percent” donated a sum equal to 10% of the year’s donations, amounting to HK$1.4 million
Pledge to donate 100% of all donations to the agencies without deduction of administration expenses

Key fund-raising event:

The Community Chest Night was organized to commemorate the opening of the Convention Centre

1976/1977

Number of donors reached 1.5 million which was one third of Hong Kong's population

Key fund-raising event:

The Kowloon Walk for Millions on 6 March 1977 was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the most number of participants in a charity walk event, with over 57,000 participants having walked 22.5 kilometers

1977/1978

Subvention of pioneer service : minibus service for the handicapped
The donation figure was HK$20 million on the 10^th Anniversary of the Chest

Key fund-raising events:

The first Community Chest Bazaar, Hong Kong Celebrity Relay Walkathon, and Dance for a Million

1978/1979

Accumulated donation came to HK$100 million

Key fund-raising event:

The Hong Kong Celebrity Games

1979/1980

Key fund-raising events:

The Hong Kong Walk for Millions on 2 December 1979 entered into the Guinness Book of Records by raising HK$1.9 million in a single charity event
Row for Charity, MTR Community Chest Ride for a Million, Charity Car Wash
HK$950,000 raised with the commencement of the Mass Transit Railway service in 1980

1980/1981

Encourage agencies to introduce pioneering services by providing funding for those services as individual projects

Key fund-raising events:

1981 being the International Year of Disabled Persons, the “Walk for the Disabled” was organized
The first “Clean for Charity” was supported by 18 teams from corporations and schools

1981/1982

HSBC and Hong Kong Telephone each lent a staff member to the Chest office to help out

Key fund-raising events:

The MacLehose Trail Walk raised HK$1.4 million with 552 participants
“Shoot for Charity” organized by the Hong Kong Joint Shooting Council in association with Rediffusion Television Ltd

1982/1983

Accumulated donations exceeded HK$200 million
“Do your part. Support the Community” as appeal slogan
Appealed to 245 corporations, the employee participation rate was over 75%

1983/1984

Mr Stan Guignard from Canada donated HK$54,449 to the Chest which was raised through his travels around the world

Key fund-raising events:

Pat Sin Range Walk was held on 11 December 1983
First “Plant for Charity”
Jardine organized Swim for Charity as part of their 1983 Ambassadors Program
The Courvoisier Gala Charity Banquet sponsored by Courvoisier and 11 well known Chinese restaurants

1984/1985

Key fund-raising events:

The “Island Eastern Corridor Walk” on 3 June 1984 broke previous record with over 98,000 people participating. Over 180,000 people participated in the Walks for Millions in the year
The U.S. Consulate Charity Ball was held at the Hilton Hotel
Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Award Presentation Concert hosted by Radio Television Hong Kong

1985/1986

Key fund-raising events:

The “Swim for Charity” that lasted 30 days was held between 30 March and 28 April 1985, attracting 3,200 swimmers and the distance covered was almost twice around the world. The “Celebrity Event” was the finale that brought the event to a climatic conclusion
The ‘24-hour Canon Charity Typing Marathon’ was held on 23 November
An auction of good luck lanterns at the Full Moon Festival was held in 1986
A Community Chest Taxi Week was held from 28 February to 6 March
Sales of souvenir packs to commemorate the opening of MTR Island Line

1986/1987

The Hong Kong Jockey Club pledged to match Chest donations dollar-for-dollar, with the amount to be used for administration expenses and capped at HK$10 million

Key fund-raising events:

The 1986 Bike for A Million raised HK$1.4 million
“Miss Asian Pacific Quest 1986” in May and June organized by Asia Television Ltd.
The Chest was the beneficiary of proceeds from the sale of First Day Covers and postcards to commemorate the Grand Opening of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on 6 October
To celebrate its 60^th Anniversary, Garden Co Ltd donated HK$600,000 to the Chest in November
Fuji Photo Products Co Ltd initiated a project from December 1986 to February 1987 to benefit the Chest
A fund raising campaign was launched to commemorate the opening of the MTR Island Line
The Industry Contribution Programme was launched on 16 March
Well-known graphic artist, Mr Kan Tai-keung, took up the design of the Certificates of Appreciation for awardees of the Corporate Contribution Programme

1987/1988

Total donations saw an increase of 20%
Member agencies funded by the Chest came to 100

Key fund-raising events:

Great Investment Race, Community Chest Day – “Hands Across the River,” Record Sales “The World Sings Together,” Kwan Fong Charity Concert, Cartier Charity Sale , Community Chest Ticket, Military Tattoo, Charity Bowling Tournament, Instant Noodles Charity Sale

1988/1989

A Community Chest Wood was established in Sai Kung Country Park

Key fund-raising events:

First Flag Day
The Community Chest 20^th Anniversary Charity Stamps and First Day Covers went on sale
Diamond Information Centre – 1988 Diamonds-International Awards Extravaganza Charity Gala Dinner
Correctional Services Department – Community Chest Day Walk 1988
KCRC – Light Rail Division – LRT Commemorative Ticket Sales
Peak Tramways Centenary: Charity Ride
UNY – “Ten Cents Donation”

1989/1990

Key fund-raising events:

MTR marked the commencement of its Eastern Harbour line with the sale of souvenir tickets to benefit the Chest
Shing Mun Tunnel Walk for Millions
First Noonday Gun for the Chest
Fund-raising show was brodcasted on Asia Television Limited Channel
Charity sale of mooncakes at Wing Wah Cake Shop

1990/1991

Total amount raised exceeded HK$100 million
Introduce Hallmark of Distinction, a logo to recognize distinguished donors and sponsors

Key fund-raising events:

Kowloon Walk for Millions featured a new route via the new Tseung Kwan O Tunnel
MTR published limited ticket sets featuring six cycles of the Chinese zodiac animal signs
Cantonese opera diva Hung Shen-nui CD version of her famous aria “Four Beauties” went on sale for Charity

1991/1992

Member agencies increased to 120

Key fund-raising events:

The Gold Flag Appeal
An Evening on Board QE2

1992/1993

The Bank of China Group Charity Walk raised HK$19.5 million (the target was HK$3 million)

Key fund-raising events:

The Instant Raffle was promoted by four of Hong Kong’s most popular male singers
MTR Lunar New Year Charity Ride

1993/1994

Key fund-raising events:

First Dress Casual Day initiated by Arthur Andersen & Company
First Civil Service Charity Walk
The Community Chest 25^th Anniversary Gala Evening at Government House, raised HK$6.8 million

1994/1995

Accumulative total donations of HK$1 billion

Key fund-raising events:

First Community Chest Corporate Challenge
'Community for the Chest' Television Show broadcasted on TVB
Churches Walk for the Chest
Shop for A Million (Yaohan’s Donation to the Chest)
Shareplan

1995/1996

Received the 1995 Asian Management Award in Development Management presented by the Asian Institute of Management in October 1995

Key fund-raising events:

Fund-raising by employees participating in a week of flexi-work hours
The Community Chest Affinity Card introduced

1996/1997

Annual donation over HK$200 million
The Community Chest’s website launched
"Naming Right Scheme" started in 1996 with the support of the Hong Kong Housing Authority which allowed a public facility managed by the Housing Authority to be named after a donor

Key fund-raising events:

Lantau Link Charity Walk, Western Harbour Crossing Walk and 3 charity walkathons were held to commemorate reunification of Hong Kong with China
Instant Raffle supported by residents from over 180 public-housing estates
Charity Dinner Celebrating the Completion of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Extension
Lantau Link Charity Car Procession

1997/1998

110 fund-raising events organized – highest number since the founding of The Community Chest

Key fund-raising events:

Seven Walks for Millions organized: New Airport Tour for Millions, Route 3 Walk for Millions, The Celebration of Reunification Charity Walk, Civil Service Charity Walk and 3 charity walkathons.
Charity Dinner to mark the completion of the new Hong Kong International Airport
The Community Chest Bauhinia Day
The Community Chest World Cup Soccer Charity Programme

1998/1999

HKJC donated HK$30 million to celebrate the Chest’s 30^th Anniversary
Member agencies came to 140

Key fund-raising events:

First Community Chest Charity Golf Day
First Skip Lunch Day

1999/2000

Establishment of office at Hong Kong Jockey Club property in Wan Chai at a nominal rent
An anonymous donor donated HK$2 million

Key fund-raising events:

Stock Code Balloting for Charity Scheme initiated by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd
First Community Chest Green Day

2000/2001

Key fund-raising events:

Civil Service for the Chest
Police Open Day

2001/2002

Key fund-raising events:

$10 Donation Drive
Celebrations for the Chest scheme initiated by Dr Stanley Ho, who made the first donations
Chinese New Year fund-raising at MTR shopping malls in 2002

2002/2003

The Community Chest of Hong Kong “Operation UNITE” Fund
Online donations made possible in July 2002

Key fund-raising events:

Music to Your Ears
The New HK$10 Note Charity Collection
Dance for the Chest set the Guiness Record by having 12,000 people dancing in one event

2003/2004

The Community Chest Bank of China (Hong Kong) Rainbow Fund set up in February 2004

Key fund-raising events:

Real Madrid Asia Tour (HK) Charity Event
New Banknote Charity Collective Sets supported by the three note-issuing banks
The Community Chest Pacific Century Insurance Charity Walk/The Community Chest Brisk Walk Relay (to commemorate the Olympic Games)
Road to Athens – Torch Relay Extravaganza
The Community Chest Shanghai Night
Cheung Kong Group: “2 for 1 To Show Our Care” event
The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited 70^th Anniversary
The Community Chest Pot-Pourri Charity Evening
West Rail Charity Trial Ride
Ocean Park Halloween Bash
Pun Choi Mega Feast in collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to raise fund to The Community Chest

2004/2005

Key fund-raising events:

Gateway to India
ICAC 30^th Anniversary Charity Walk
Run-up Two ifc Charity Race
New Banknote Charity Collective Sets (2nd Edition: 15 banknotes with matching serial number)

2005/2006

Key fund-raising events:

Hong Kong Disneyland Charity Day
The World’s Biggest Donation Box
The Community Chest Ocean Park Corporate Challenge
45-in-1 Uncut HK$10 Note Charity Collection
Mark Lui and Friends Charity Concert
Victoria Prison Decommissioning Charity Events (Open Day and Jailhouse Rock)
First “Souvenirs for the Chest” – organisations donated their budgets for making souvenirs to the Chest, in return for certificates of appreciation issued by the Chest

2006/2007

Key fund-raising events:

Dress Special Day
Celebrities Sing for the Chest
New Territories Walk – Deep Bay Link
Treasure Hunt Corporate Challenge
Special Donation from Acquisition of Hong Kong Dragon Airlines by Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
The Community Chest Green Day Twin Tickets designed by Mr Leon Lai

2007/2008

Donations to The Community Chest can be made at 7-Eleven shops

Key fund-raising events:

National Renowned Chefs for the Chest at Shatin Racecourse
The Community Chest Sports Corporate Challenge
KCR Charity Sale & Auction of Memorabilia
Hong Kong Ten Dollar Polymer Note Charity Commemorative Collection
Cheung Kong Group Money Back Fund-raising Campaign
Barclays Asia Trophy Fund-raising Tournament
Hong Kong – Shenzhen Western Corridor Walk
New Territories Walk – Route 8 (Tai Wai to Lai Chi Kok)

2008/2009

Dress Special Day promoted with literature designed by a group of young local designers

Key fund-raising events:

The Community Chest 40^th Anniversary
The Community Chest Château Latour Evening
The Path of Heart – Lou Zhenggang Exhibition
Unchained Melodies at The Peninsula
Hong Kong Brands Week
The Community Chest 40^th Anniversary Car Lottery
Charity Sale of Mr Lawrence Yu’s Biography
The Community Chest 40^th Anniversary Mini Octopus & Octopus Card – Celebrity Version
First Love Teeth Day

2009/2010

The Bank of China initiated the “Caring Hong Kong – A Heart Warming Campaign” with funding of HK$90 million administered by the Community Chest of Hong Kong

Key fund-raising events:

Wine for Millions
New Territories Walk – Stonecutters Bridge
CGCC 60^th Anniversary Charity Walk
MTR Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Ticket Set

2010/2011

HK$350 million was raised, the highest in the history of the Chest
Corporate Volunteer Matching Scheme
Start of visits to schools
Enhance communication with the public through Facebook, YouTube and the Chest blog
“Caring Hong Kong – A Heart Warming Campaign”

Key fund-raising events:

HK$10 Uncut Note Twin Set
The Community Chest Château Margaux Evening
The Community Chest Sports Corporate Challenge

2011/2012

“Dress Casual Day” was organized to replace the Dress Special Day

Key fund-raising events:

Wine for Millions - A Celebration of Californian First Growths
“KMB Bus Guide” Charity Sale
Scheme $6,000 for the Chest

2012/2013

By April 2013, the number of member agencies had increased to 157 with 2,400 service units

Key fund-raising events:

Hong Kong Police Night for the Chest
Race to ICC-100 – SHKP Vertical Run for the Chest
New Banknote Charity Collective Sets issued by three local banks
The Community Chest Château Mouton Rothschild Evening

2013/2014

“The Community Chest Post” published in collaboration with Headline Daily to celebrate the Chest’s 45^th Anniversary
10 videos featuring 10 Chest services aired on traditional media channel and online

Key fund-raising events:

The Community Chest Wheelock Swim for a Million
The Community Chest BOCHK Cycling Challenge using the Eagle’s Nest Tunnel before it opened to the public
Wine for Millions raised HK$10 million, the most raised for events with the theme of red wines

2014/2015

HK$319 million raised, which was the second highest amount ever raised, after a year of hosting over 30 fund-raising events
Stock Code Balloting for Charity Scheme raised HK$77.6 million

Key fund-raising event:

“Coin Collection Programme” launched by Hong Kong Monetary Authority helped raise funds for the Chest

2015/2016

Facebook fans grew four times to over 12,000
Social media tools used to promote the 2015 Dress Casual Day with great success – promotional clip masterminded by Board member Mr Leon Lai and other videos were viewed 420,000 times on Facebook and YouTube
The Chest was entrusted with administering the allocation of HK$100 million from the HSBC 150th Anniversary Charity Programme
Annual donation income came to HK$314 million, which was third highest in the history of the Chest

2016/2017

By April 2017, the number of member agencies had increased to 161 with 2,600 service units
Over HK$300 million raised
The Community Chest Rainbow Fund allocated nearly HK$14 million to fund more than 2,100 cases