The SUN HK : Migrant moms and babes’ refuge turns to hiking and selling wine to boost funds

By The SUN

The challenge is for various groups to walk 7,600 km collectively to celebrate PathFinders' 12th year

PathFinders Hong Kong Ltd, a charity organization that helps protect the rights of migrant mothers and their children, is taking to hiking and popping the bottle to raise funds for the needs of its clients.

The NGO has launched its PathFinders Hiking Challenge to various groups that collectively, could trek 7,600 kilometers, which represent the number of babies and mothers that it has helped for the past 12 years.

“As we’re unable to mark the occasion with our annual FUNdraiser – which was set to raise $3 million – we’ve launched a few exciting initiatives to celebrate the lives of over 7,600 babies, children and women we’ve helped since 2008,” said PathFinders fundraising director Harriet Beavis in an emailed invitation.

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She said the initiatives are aimed at raising "much-needed funds to ensure we can continue to protect all those who seek our help.”

Participants are encouraged to form a team, agree on the date and time of their route, and set a fundraising target. Those who want to meet fellow hikers for their team should join PathFinders’ Facebook group and share ideas, keeping in mind the current social distancing restrictions.

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“Get social along the way to raise awareness!,” said the PathFinders invite. “Tag @PathFindersHK on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn and use our hashtags #PathFindersHikingChallenge #7600PathsFound #FindYourPath. Post your finishing photo to our Facebook Hiking Challenge group”

If the hikers’ target amount is $10,000 or more, the NGO can help set up a Sparkraise Crowdfunder so they can invite friends, colleagues and family to sponsor them. Further inquiries can be made through email at events@pathfinders.org.hk.

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Alternatively, they can make a direct donation to PathFinders using this link: https://www.pathfinders.org.hk/en/donate

All public donations until Nov 30 will be matched dollar for dollar by the Fu Tak Iam Foundation.

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Another way to help is to join the trek being organized by a team from PathFinders on Nov. 20, or sponsor some of the hikers. The target is to walk a collective 100 km to celebrate the NGO’s 12^th year.

The NGO says it has helped 7,600 moms and babies in the past 12 years

PathFinders is currently managing 180 cases involving over 200 children, apart from taking calls to its crisis hotline and taking in new cases every week.

“Although we’re unable to go ahead with our annual FUNdraiser, the babies, children and women we protect still need your help,” Beavis said.

PathFinders said the annual dinner should be able to raise $3 million but the economic impact of Hong Kong’s socio-political and pandemic crises has affected its traditional sponsors and supporters.

The NGO was included in the BridgeTheGap crowdfunding effort and money raised from it had reached 58% of its target, Pathfinders said.

PathFinders, in cooperation with Eden Rift Vineyards, is also boosting its fundraising via a California wine sale announced on Oct 9 and will last until Nov 12.

Those who want to help can choose from two types of wines that Eden Rift markets in Hong Kong – 2017 Estate Chardonnay, Cienega Valley for $3,800 per case of 12 bottles and 2017 Estates Pinot Noir, Cienega Valley for $4,200 per case.

PathFinders said $2,000 from the sale of each case would be donated by Eden Rift to the charity.

Wine orders can be placed on online by completing an order form or before Nov 12 and delivery will be between Dec 17 and 11 via SF Express, the NGO said. Interested buyers can email events@pathfinders.org.hk for details.

Beavis said supporters can also donate to the BridgeTheGapHK campaign or spread the word as the group needs to reach 100% of its target to cover its funding gaps and safeguard critical services.

She said all public donations until Nov 30 will be matched dollar for dollar by the Fu Tak Iam Foundation Ltd as part of the BridgeTheGapHK initiative.