Everbright Volunteer Team supports young drug rehabilitees in Hong Kong’s North District and mobilises community efforts to promote anti-drug messages
Local district council member supported and participated in the initiative
A recent ‘We Cycle Bicycle Guided Tour’, co-organised by China Everbright Limited (“Everbright”, stock code: 165.HK) volunteer team, Yum Cha Together and Cheer Lutheran Centre, saw volunteers taken on a guided cycle tour by a group of young drug rehabilitees around historical sites in Sheung Shui, including Hau Ku Shek Ancestral Hall in Ho Sheung Heung and Ng Tung River. At the end of the tour, several former drug addicts discussed their journey to becoming professional volunteers and how being cycle tour guides helped them kick their old drug habits, in the hope that their personal stories can help change others’ life and help them get back on the right track. Jiff Yiu, a North District council member, was invited to join the tour to gain first-hand understanding of the community support for young drug abusers and its efforts to raise awareness about these troubled youths.
As drug abuse can cause permanent damage to the brain, the guides have to spend almost a month to familiarise themselves with the history and information of each sightseeing location. The volunteers gained a deeper understanding of the North District’s history and develop a deep appreciation for all the preparation and effort put in by the guides. After the tour, all participants were treated to a dim sum lunch to learn more about the “yum cha” culture.
Mr. Yiu was pleased to have been invited by Everbright’s volunteer team to participate in the event and to do his part for district’s community. He also showed appreciation to Everbright for sending its volunteer team to visit the youth service centre to better understand how the community supports young drug addicts and the well-being of troubled young people. He hopes the Company will organize more activities of a similar nature in the future to increase its employees’ awareness of Hong Kong’s grassroots and play a part in supporting the community.
‘We Cycle’ uses bicycles as a way to connect the community with drug rehabilitees through a series of community services, such as sports and guided tours. It not only builds social cohesion but also strengthens the drug rehabilitees’ determination to refrain from relapsing and clears the public’s misunderstanding and labelling of these young people, helping them rebuild their self-confidence and promote social harmony. Since We Cycle’s establishment three years ago, over a hundred drug rehabilitees have become bicycle tour guides to help promote anti-drug messages.
Volunteers’ event testimony:
“Through this activity, I realized that “being busy” is not an excuse to avoid others, especially our friends and family. We should take every opportunity to ‘yum cha together’ and talk and listen to each other and spend more time with each other while we are still in good health” – Joe Guo, Everbright IT Department
“This is the first time I have ever met drug rehabilitees and they seem very healthy and positive. I was very surprised when they shared their stories with us. I’m glad their lives are back on track, and I hope our interaction and exchange will help them build more confidence and pursue better lives” – Lynn Wang, Everbright Investment and Management Department
“It takes courage and persistence for people to recover from drug addiction. Previously, they may have chosen to use drugs to escape reality and forget their troubles. But now, we must support them and help them regain control of their lives for a better future” – Dicky Wong, Everbright IT Department
