Caritas Charity Bazaar returns marking dual anniversaries

Distinguished guests hold puzzle pieces representing “Messengers of Hope” symbolising joint efforts to build a caring and inclusive community. Photo supplied

HONG KONG (SE): Caritas-Hong Kong’s annual charity bazaar returned this November, taking place across six locations in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories over four consecutive Sundays to raise vital funds for its social work, education, and medical services. The first two events opened on November 8 at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and Tuen Mun Cultural Square, drawing over 23,000 visitors.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Diocese of Hong Kong and the 65th anniversary of the bazaar itself, this year’s theme is “Messengers of Hope”, highlighting the effort to unite the community and bring care to those in need. The Island District opening ceremony was officiated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing; chief executive of Hospital Authority, Libby Lee Ha-yan; Jimmy Jim Wai-ki, chairperson of the Caritas Fund Raising Committee, senior business director of at ICBC [Asia]; chief executive of Caritas-Hong Kong, Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung; chairperson of Friends of Caritas, Theresa Ng Choi-yuk.

In his opening address, Bishop Ha noted that the anniversary theme serves as a reminder to pass love and hope down through the generations. He added that the bazaar clearly demonstrates this spirit, bringing together people from the medical, financial, and educational sectors, alongside the wider community, to turn goodwill into practical action.

Lee also shared her long-standing connection with Caritas. She recalled undertaking her internship at Caritas Medical Centre after graduating, as well as studying at the Caritas Caine Road study room as a child. She noted that the facility played a significant role in shaping her personal growth, fostering her ambitions, and planting the seeds for her to become a messenger of hope. She emphasised that the bazaar acts not only as a fundraising effort, but also as a way to share warmth and hope across the city, encouraging the public to support Caritas’s ongoing work.

This year’s Island District bazaar was bigger than ever, featuring a record 250 stalls with full support from all parishes across the district. In keeping with the theme, organisers introduced a “Hope Institute” stall highlighting the history of Caritas and the diocese, as well as a photo wall with artwork by students from Caritas special schools. Visitors enjoyed stage performances, games, and workshops, alongside stalls offering household goods, gifts, handicrafts, toys, and food.