Practical workshops help integrate minorities
Tung Chung is the “base camp” for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and the company behind the popular tourist attraction is also making a mark in the local community.
In view of its location, it is no surprise that the Ngong Ping 360 company focuses its CSR efforts on the area in and around Tung Chung.
The company’s volunteer team of “sharing ambassadors” was formed last July to serve the community and encourage a more caring culture. It is open to employees, family members and friends.
“We have organised volunteer activities with target groups in the community including the elderly, low-income families, and local students,” says Vicky Lau, the firm’s head of corporate affairs. “Our aim is to interact and develop trusting relationships with diverse parties.”
In October, ten of the ambassadors got together with the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council Tung Chung Integrated Services Centre. They showed 30-plus primary and secondary school students from ethnic minority groups how to make natural mosquito repellent. Most commercially available repellents contain DEET, a chemical that can cause unpleasant side-effects.
“Using only natural ingredients matches our company theme and helps to promote a green culture among staff and the wider community,” Lau says.
Primary 6 student Alaine Vacunawa, who has been studying in Hong Kong for 18 months, was keen to get involved.
“When I came here, I really had no clue about the lifestyle in Hong Kong. But after my parents enrolled me at the Touch Centre, I had the chance to take part in a lot of different activities and interact with people of many different ethnicities.”
