For many, life after work may seem like the beginning of a slower pace, but for 800 volunteers with the Hong Kong Red Cross’ Elderly Unit, retirement is just a new beginning.
“It’s a beautiful thing when you’re not just helping others, but you’re also discovering a new purpose in life after retirement,” said Jackie Tsai Bing-chee, manager for elderly volunteer development at Hong Kong Red Cross.
The Elderly Unit was established in 1994 to encourage older adults from all walks of life to join humanitarian networks like the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Over the past 30 years, the group has accumulated more than 800,000 volunteer hours, supporting a diverse range of vulnerable groups, from elderly and disabled people to new immigrants and children.
“Many of them never expected that retirement would open such doors. Many of them feel like they’re living a second life, contributing to society in ways they never thought possible,” Tsai said.
The group has been shortlisted as a finalist for this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the teamwork category. The annual event is co-organised by the Post and property developer Sino Group to celebrate individuals or teams whose achievements may otherwise go unnoticed.