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Heifer-HSBC Read to Feed
Supported by The Hongkong Bank Foundation, the Heifer Read to Feed programme has encouraged students in Hong Kong to read while getting sponsors for their reading and raising funds for impoverished families in rural China.
With joint efforts from 107,000 students in 160 Hong Kong schools, contributions from the Foundation and funds raised from schools are directed towards specific projects in rural China with multiple community and environmental benefits, helping 3,660 rural families in mainland China to achieve sustainable livelihood.
"Life used to be quite hard for our family. Heifer came to our village in 2006. They gave us six goats and taught us how to care for them. We have learned to provide for ourselves and to help other people in need."
Li Qiang
Beneficiary from Heibei province
"I've learned to raise cows with the help from Heifer.My mother has explained that once the two cows are fully grown, we'll sell them. We'll be able to buy new clothes and pay for our tuition fees."
Jiyi Azuo
Beneficiary from Sichuan province
"I can't think of anything better than helping others and myself at the same time. Many people still live in hardship while I live in a wealthy society. I'm in a position to help, so why not?"
Tse Di-fay
Student participant in Hong Kong
Heifer not only gives farmers livestock, but also teaches them knowledge and skills to care for them. Another unique approach of Heifer is "Pass on the Gift", ie recipient families pass on their animal's offspring together with skills and knowledge to help other needy families. This will not only benefit more families, recipients also regain their confidence and dignity.
Antony Leung,
Chairman of Heifer Board of Directors
Last modified date: 5 August 2011
Peter Wong, Chief Executive Asia Pacific (1st from right), Teresa Au, Head of Corporate Sustainability Asia Pacific Region (1st from left) and Antony Leung, Chairman of Heifer Board of Directors met the beneficiaries of Read to Feed programme.
Beneficiaries from the Mainland and participants in Hong Kong shared their school life.
Community Investment projects
HSBC has a long history of supporting education programs in Hong Kong and mainland China. Read to Feed encourages students to read while raising funds to help rural farmers, and brings tangible and sustainable impacts. This is a meaningful programme that HSBC is happy to support.
Peter Wong,
Chief Executive Asia Pacific, HSBC
