Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
When 19-year-old Belle* handed an elderly woman a box of poached chicken with rice, she was struck by the recipient’s joy.
“She even did a little jump, saying it was her favourite food,” said the teen. She is in her second year studying fashion at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Belle launched her “free meals” initiative last January. She distributed 30 lunchboxes at a time to elderly people in need across Hong Kong.
She began in Sham Shui Po, one of the city’s poorest districts, and has since expanded her efforts to To Kwa Wan, Sung Wong Toi, Kowloon City, San Po Kong, Fortress Hill and Tsuen Wan.
After posting videos of her meal distributions online, her Instagram account has amassed over 120,000 followers.
“Growing up, I’ve always known how fortunate my life has been. I saw how many others weren’t as lucky – not because of their own fault, just random luck of where we’re born,” she said.
Belle has also helped people crowdfund for their needs.
In her most-viewed video, she raises funds for an 85-year-old woman selling cardboard to support her sick son, even though her foot is in pain.
The HK$50,000 collected from concerned netizens went towards the woman’s medical and living expenses.
Put yourself out there
Elderly people pushing trolleys filled with flattened cardboard and discarded scraps are a familiar sight in Hong Kong. Many struggle to find ways to sustain themselves. According to the Hong Kong Poverty Report for 2024 by Oxfam Hong Kong, more than 580,000 individuals aged 65 or above live in poverty in the city.
Belle’s meals are able to reach some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
She aims to bring them food at least once a week. While she usually pays for it herself, some restaurants have also reached out to sponsor meals.
The ripple effects from her good deeds have already begun.
“Two student-run accounts reached out to tell me they started similar projects because of my videos,” she said.
Belle grew up in an international school where most pupils spoke English. She said language barriers could make it harder for others from her background to connect with Hong Kong’s wider community. But she speaks Cantonese at home, which has been key to her outreach.
“My parents always taught me to stay humble and to help others. They had a big influence on my beliefs and values,” she said.
She encouraged other students from different backgrounds to take the first step in helping people in need, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
“If you truly want to engage with the community, and are willing to try ... it’s possible. You just have to put yourself out there and be open,” she said.
* Full name withheld at interviewee’s request
