Twin fundraisers held for Bethune House

 

Social Justice officers at start of "Amazing Walk for Bethune House'

Various migrant workers’ groups spent their National Day holiday today raising much-needed funds for the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.

This was in response to Bethune House’s recent appeal for help to meet its needs providing shelter and various forms of assistance for about two dozen clients.

Through its “Save our Shelter” (SOS) campaign, the 38-year-old Bethune House said it intended to raise about $1 million to pay for its expenses until the end of the year, after two funding grants failed to materialize as expected.

Antonio enjoins walkers to keep supporting Bethune House

Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio said the shelter was in danger of closing down as it had only enough money to cover its expenses for two months.

The shelter which was founded in September 1986, raises funds from private donors to provide food and shelter to distressed women primarily, but also for some incidental expenses like visa extension fees.

One of today’s activities was the final submission of cans for the year-long Coins for Bethune on Chater Road in Central, and the subsequent counting of donations held at Kowloon Union Church Space in Jordan.

Among those who showed up to turn over a coin-filled can to the organizers was Lester Esquilona, president of Sikap Association, a group composed mainly of domestic worker-drivers in Hong Kong.

Sikap's Lester Esquilona turns over a full can for 'Coins for Bethune' project

About 50 other volunteers joined the coin-counting, which has become a virtual tradition since the project was first conceived in 2011 by Filcom leaders Rosel Abrenica and Daisy CL Mandap, editor of The SUN.

According to Antonio, more than $33,000 was raised from the Coins project this year. This should go up some more, as a number of cans have yet to be submitted

The recurring fundraiser is usually closed for the year every September, to coincide with the anniversary of Bethune’s founding.

Also held today was the “Amazing Walk for Bethune House,” which was organized by Social Justice for Migrant Workers, one of the biggest online groups catering to the needs and concerns of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

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The walk along the Peak Trail kicked off at about 10am, and was led by SJMW founder Marites Palma. Antonio showed up to personally thank the walkers and rally them to continue supporting Bethune House.

More than 40 workers belonging to various organizations took part in the walk, and donated at least $20 each for the cause. By the time the campaign ended at about noon, nearly $3,000 was raised for the shelter.

Palma said her group aimed to help Bethune House to remain standing, and to raise awareness within the migrant community about the invaluable help the shelter has provided for more than three decades.

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She thanked everyone who joined the walk and donated to the cause, saying what was raised would be a big help to the shelter which is struggling to keep afloat.

“Sana ipagpatuloy natin ang pagsuporta sa Bethune House dahil ang shelter na ito ang may pusong nagpapatuloy sa mga cancer warriors, mga biglang nawawalan ng trabaho, at mga may labor cases,” said Palma

(I hope we will all continue supporting Bethune House, which has the heart to provide shelter to cancer warriors, those who suddenly lose their jobs, or are involved in labor cases).

“Huwag po nating hayaang mawala ang Bethune House na syang nagsisilbing tahanan ng mga distressed workers sa loob ng mahigit 30 yrs.”

Palma (with sunglasses) lead the walkers along The Peak for the fundraiser

Let us not allow Bethune House to collapse, as it has served as a second home to distressed workers for more than 30 years.

Among the groups that joined the walk were Hong Kong Masikhay Eagles Club, Romblon Community of HK and Angat Pinknoy, with some unaligned individuals.

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