In support of the Year of the Disabled, the Club organized its first service project for the handicapped by inviting about 80 physically handicapped children to the PHAB Centre (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) at Pokfulam Reservoir Road. Programme of the day included competitions and games, artistic cycling, karate show, singing performance and lucky draw.
In two consecutive years, Zontians paid visits to terminal cancer patients at Nam Long Hospital in Wong Chuk Hang. In addition to entertainment and games, Zontians found time talking to the patients and giving them encouragement and moral support. During these visits, members gained experience in showing their care and concern to the terminal cancer patients.
"A Hospital Play Day for Sick Children" project, co-organized with the Playright Children's Play Association, prepared a therapeutic fun day for 60 sick children and adolescents hospitalized due to cancer, haemophilia, respiratory problems and heart diseases etc. Parents and children enjoyed the games organized by Zontians and appreciated their care.
"Life Warriors" Project organized by the HKPHAB Association recruited volunteers who were physically handicapped to receive training for carrying out hospital visits, providing consolation and encouragement to other physically handicapped patients. This made their work even more convincing and meaningful. More than 10,000 volunteers and warriors were involved in this project.
Most recently, the Club sponsored and helped the Heep Hong Society set up a Play Therapy Room at its new centre in Yau Ma Tei to serve approximately 1,000 children suffering from problems such as developmental or intellectual delay, physical disabilities, mental handicap, visual or hearing impairment etc.. Through play therapy, therapists encouraged children to express and disclose their inner thoughts and problems. Close circuit TV recorded and monitored the children's activities. Their parents observed the work of the therapists through this close circuit. They learned more about their children's problems and were able to acquire better understanding of their children's behaviour. These taught and guide the parents towards the best ways of assisting their children.
As an on-going project, Zontians have been conducting Reading for the Blind. In response to the appeal of the Hong Kong Society for the Blind, a number of members of the Club volunteered and were accepted by the Society as home recording readers for the braillists to transcribe books into Braille. Books were also collected for donation to the centre.
Throughout the years, the Club made donations to various institutions, including Home of Loving Faithfulness, HK Association for the Deaf, HK Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Jockey Club Elaine Field School, HK Kidney Foundation, Society of Homes for the Handicapped, Ebenezer School for the Blind, HK Society for the Blind, etc. |
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