Hong Kong’s students are volunteering to support victims of the city’s deadliest fire in decades. They are part of massive community efforts to aid the thousands left homeless.
The blaze erupted last Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court and claimed more than 100 lives as of Friday.
With the death toll rising and emergency services stretched to their limit, a community relief network has emerged across Tai Po, driven by everyday people.
Citizens are distributing essential supplies – such as blankets, medical kits, food and baby products – to people in need.
Among the volunteers are pupils determined to do everything they can to help their community.
‘I feel very united with everyone’
A group of Form Six students from Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School arrived at about 10am on Friday at the Kwong Fuk Estate podium, located across the street from Wang Fuk Court.
The teenagers spent the day handing out meals, beverages and supplies such as diapers and milk formula to people in need. Many of the items had been donated by restaurants and residents.
One of these pupils, Annie Chen, said she and her classmates saw the fire from their campus, which is about 10 minutes away from Wang Fuk Court on foot.
“When we left school, the sky was filled with dark smoke. We were really sad. We never expected such a disaster to happen so close to us,” the 17-year-old said.
Annie added that some of her classmates were among those affected, and all had been confirmed safe. She said 16 students from her school lived in Wang Fuk Court and more than 20 in Kwong Fuk Estate, where a few blocks were evacuated a few hours after the fire spread.
The teen said that more than 40 of her schoolmates came out to volunteer.
“I feel very united with everyone,” Annie said.
One moment that left an impression on her was when an elderly woman came from Sha Tin to help.
“She told us she wanted to do whatever she could for the residents. When she saw us volunteering, she insisted on buying ... 10 boxes of food for us. I was really touched,” Annie recalled.
The podium where Annie and her classmates were volunteering became a central hub for volunteers and victims, with hand-drawn maps marking the purpose of each booth.
Stations offered free emergency counselling as well as medical support from both Western and traditional Chinese medicine doctors.
A sense of community
Another student, Susan Huang Ching-ying, was helping out at CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School. The school in Tai Po was converted into a temporary shelter for victims of the fire.
“Some of my seniors went to other locations. I first checked whether anyone here needed pillows or anything like that, so I left the pillows and blankets here,” said the 13-year-old student at Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School.
The teenager said she felt connected with the people in Tai Po.
“I think we’re all part of this community. I actually live in Shenzhen, but I’ve studied here for many years,” Susan said.
“I’ve probably spent more time in Hong Kong than in Shenzhen. That is why I wanted to come and help out, just to contribute a bit.”
