Is it called a giving tree?

Beth Danae · 06-12-2006, 11:03 PM

Hi All:

Wondering if there are any organized 'giving trees' meaning whereby my hubby and I can donate a gift or two to kids who'd otherwise not receive much.

Thought the sizable employer would've coordinated one, past employers have, but as it is Dec 6th I think not, and so am looking elsewhere as giving to kiddos might help brighten our otherwise semi-boring holiday sans family and usual traditions...

sunniefaith · 07-12-2006, 11:21 AM

Beth,

I got this email sent to me by the NET (Native English Teacher) email group. Not sure if this is something that you're looking for. I've been thinking of volunteering there myself.

CACKMSC Appeal

Latest newsletter from Christian Action's Chungking Mansions Service Centre

Please have a look at our latest newsletter from Christian Action's Chungking Mansions Service Centre.

Click on the link to download:
http://www.christian-action.org.hk/c...Winter2006.pdf
We invite you to also consider our Winter Appeal to assist destitute Asylum Seekers sleeping on the streets.

Now winter is here many asylum seekers in HK have a hard time to find even a temporary solution to their night sleeping arrangements. About 15 people who regularly use our service centre are sleeping outside exposed to the cold weather. The majority of them are men from Africa and South Asia who have fled persecution in their country. They are asylum seekers without immigration papers who cannot access social welfare assistance. Many of them sleep in parks and at the Star Ferry, and in winter they end up standing all night in 7Elevens to keep warm?

These street sleepers include men with medical conditions and a single woman who fled her country to save her life. She has been sleeping outside and we were concerned about her security. We have been able to provide temporary accommodation, but for winter she needs a longer term solution.
To meet the needs of street sleepers Christian Action has opened up shelters to provide temporary accommodation to asylum seekers in destitute situation but despite our great efforts to arrange a place for everyone to stay warm indoors, we still do not have the capacity to accommodate all those in need.

We believe every human being should be granted the right to have a place to stay; therefore we seek your understanding and hope you will contribute by providing shelter this Christmas to these desperate people. We would very much appreciate any accommodation you could provide or please use the donation form on page 9 of our newsletter to financially support us to provide housing.
Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Yours truly,
Sharmila Gurung
Manager, Chungking Mansions Service Centre
[email protected]
ckmsc@ christian-action.org.hk

KnowItAll · 07-12-2006, 11:33 AM

Beth,

There is always operation santa from the SCMP and then there is www.crossroads.org.hk who need stuff at all times during year.

Beth Danae · 07-12-2006, 11:52 AM

Hi Sunnie,

Not to sound like I don't appreciate the gravity of being without a place to sleep but that 'mission' sounds a bit risky... I can't imagine managing the logistics of it all, some people must, otherwise the program wouldn't exist--but I personally (1) wouldn't feel comfortable with a stranger being in my house when I am not. (2)Even when home wouldn't want to share my space for a long period of time--which in this situation, as strangers 1 week would feel like a long time... (3) Curious, in this type of situation how do they know/assess the background of these individuals? Do they know they are truly refugees coming from life/death situations (not sure what is PC terminology) and not simply people avoiding hard but livable work/situations or what-not?

Had signed myself up to help in this manner post Huricane Katrina, but that was when we had a whole lower basement not used and thankfully I guess more than enough people volunteered so we didn't end up helping out...

KIA, What does SCMP stand for so I can google for 'Operation Santa'...

sunniefaith · 07-12-2006, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Beth Danae:

Hi Sunnie,

Not to sound like I don't appreciate the gravity of being without a place to sleep but that 'mission' sounds a bit risky... I can't imagine managing the logistics of it all, some people must, otherwise the program wouldn't exist--but I personally (1) wouldn't feel comfortable with a stranger being in my house when I am not. (2)Even when home wouldn't want to share my space for a long period of time--which in this situation, as strangers 1 week would feel like a long time... (3) Curious, in this type of situation how do they know/assess the background of these individuals? Do they know they are truly refugees coming from life/death situations (not sure what is PC terminology) and not simply people avoiding hard but livable work/situations or what-not?

Had signed myself up to help in this manner post Huricane Katrina, but that was when we had a whole lower basement not used and thankfully I guess more than enough people volunteered so we didn't end up helping out...

KIA, What does SCMP stand for so I can google for 'Operation Santa'...

Beth,

Don't think the mission wants you to open your house...I would be scared to do that. I read through their newsletter and think you could give food and money to the mission or something like that. Or volunteer your time as well. It's a Christian mission group by the way.

HKChigger · 07-12-2006, 12:08 PM

They are asylum seekers without immigration papers who cannot access social welfare assistance.

A program to help illegal immigrants? Wouldn't it be more of a benefit to help them file for official refugee status, and then help set up the people with work and some money to get started or something?