Group photo of all participants
The dinner gathering ‘The Lord’s Grace Brings Warmth to Wang Fuk Court’, jointly organised by The Diocese of Eastern Kowloon Women’s League, HKSKH ‘Act of Love’, and Aspex Management, was successfully held on 11 April at a Chinese restaurant in To Kwa Wan. A total of 15 tables were arranged for the evening, welcoming 92 residents from Wang Fuk Court along with their relatives and friends, together with 24 elderly persons living alone in Ma Tau Wai Estate. The latter, all members of HKSKH Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre, joined the gathering to express encouragement for the residents of Wang Fuk Court.
On the night of the fire at Wang Fuk Court, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council promptly launched the ‘Act of Love 1126 Fire Disaster Support Fund’, which received generous donations from churches and schools across the Province. Churches, schools, and social service units each played their part in offering full support to the affected residents. Meanwhile, deeply concerned about the residents’ spiritual and emotional needs, the DEK Women’s League had already invited ‘Act of Love’ back in January to plan a gathering. The dinner was eventually scheduled during the season of Easter, with the prayer that, amid days marked by suffering, the residents might gradually begin to see the hope of renewal.
A Moment of Relief
Speech by Mrs Leung Chui Ching, Chairlady of the DEK Women’s League
Before the banquet began, Mrs Leung Chui Ching, Chairlady of the DEK Women’s League, spoke on behalf of the three organising bodies, offering the residents of Wang Fuk Court their sincerest care and blessings. She said that they were deeply aware of how the past few months had brought an indescribable shock to many families. She expressed the hope that the evening would offer residents a moment of relaxation, and that God’s grace, like sunlight, would shine upon every household and warm every wounded heart. She affirmed her belief that, even in adversity, the residents would not walk alone, for the love of God heals wounds and grants strength. She also prayed that the warmth of the Lord’s blessing would remain in their hearts and bring new hope for tomorrow.
The Rt Revd Timothy Kwok, Bishop of DEK, shared in his address that when he was newly married, he had lived in Tai Po and had been a neighbour of Wang Fuk Court, which gave him a particular sense of connection. He noted that HKSKH has churches, schools, and social service units not only in Tai Po, but also across many other districts—truly embodying the spirit of ‘wherever you go, we are here with you’. He encouraged everyone to seek support whenever there is a need. Ms Keung Choi Yin, Assistant Directors of the HKSKH Welfare Council, also noted that the gathering provided a valuable opportunity to listen directly to residents’ views, enabling the medium- and long-term support services for Wang Fuk Court to respond even more accurately to their needs.
To bridge the distance, foster communication, and express care, the organisers intentionally arranged for more than 50 participants — including clergy, ‘Loving Neighbour Volunteer Team’ volunteers from the Women’s League, and staff from the Welfare Council — to sit together with the Wang Fuk Court residents at each table throughout the evening. This allowed everyone to gain a deeper understanding of the residents’ current living situations and needs, while offering immediate comfort so that the residents truly felt listened to and valued.
A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine
During the dinner, Mr Alex Cheung King Shek, Chairman and Executive Director of Telecom Digital, presented each participant with a bowl of herbal jelly, while Dr Jimmy Wong Chi Ho, Managing Director of the Tung Chun Group, added a special treat to every table by providing pork knuckles and ginger stew in sweet vinegar, prompting warm applause and cheers from the floor. In addition, ‘Act of Love’ presented the residents with towel sets, in the hope that they would tangibly feel the warmth of care and support.
Act of Love presented the residents with towel sets
Participants enjoyed deep conversation and a variety of wonderful performances. These included a spiritual dance presented by the Women’s League Spiritual Dance Team, a Chinese dance performed by church members, and classic hits sung by gospel singer Yeung Suk Jing and singer Jenny Keung. The Revd Au Yuk Kwan also led everyone in singing the gospel song. Residents joined Bishop Timothy, clergy, and Welfare Council staff on stage in a joyful chorus, creating an exceptionally warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court expressed how touched they were by the care shown and how grateful they were for the organisers’ thoughtful arrangements, which gave them a precious opportunity to gather again with familiar neighbours. Some were especially thankful to discover fellow residents from the same building block whom they had not previously known. They cherished these encounters, which allowed them to support one another in the midst of hardship.
Sharing from Participants
On stage, Mr Mak, a resident of Wang Fuk Court, shared that after the fire, everyone had been scattered and temporarily housed in different places. He thanked the various organisations and charities for arranging gatherings like this one, which allowed neighbours to reunite and reconnect with familiar faces. He spoke with sorrow of those neighbours who had lost their lives in the fire, yet also gave thanks to see many families still together and safe. He said that life must go on, encouraging fellow residents to live in the moment and move forward together. He also urged everyone to take part in activities at community centres or join volunteer teams to enrich themselves, contribute to others, and make life more meaningful.
Another participant, Mr Kwong, reflected after the event by quoting scripture, ‘You are the light of the world…In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:14, 16). He said that this gathering enabled participants to see the light that shines through love and to experience the presence of Jesus Christ. May we continue to shine in the community, so that every family may receive peace and blessings.
The DEK Women’s League ‘Loving Neighbour Volunteer Team’
and the staffs of HKSKH Welfare Council