Voices from the supporters
If you are looking for somewhere to share your opinions about MSF, to talk about how you became our supporters and what it means to you, here is the place! If you have something to say, please feel free to contact us at office@msf.org.hk.
Be touched, and to act
Mona is retired and has been an MSF monthly donor for 14 years. When asked what prompted her to support MSF, Mona recalls, “I was struck by the name ‘Doctors without Borders’ at first. I got drawn to it because I also believe that helping those in need should not be hindered by racial boundaries or politics.” As a loyal supporter, Mona has read a lot about MSF’s work in the front line as well as the difficulties and challenges MSF has been tackling. But even now, whenever she reads about patients trapped in crises, she feels very bitter.
Mona's retirement doesn't stop her from helping people who are less fortunate. She is now volunteering in two local non-governmental organizations to help organise fitness classes for the elderly. She believes that one can only build a brighter future with good health, and she hopes those who are suffering in the distant parts of the world can do the same. “I am only contributing a small amount of money each month, but MSF translates it into tools that save people in devastated places. It is really worth it.”
Mona also admires the volunteering spirit of MSF's field workers. “They dedicate themselves to humanitarian work, putting patients' needs first but all their privileges including their job and salary second. It is hard to see people making such sacrifice nowadays.” Mona understands that it takes time to create significant change at the front line, but if nobody is willing to take the first step, there will never be a change.
The seeds of humanitarian aid
Mark has been working in a local youth centre for many years and is in contact with children from different backgrounds. He thinks that most Hong Kong children are very fortunate. "They seldom run out of food and can always find a doctor next door. Their family makes plans for their study way ahead of time." On the contrary, those living in contexts of epidemics, conflicts and natural disasters often experience great helplessness.
Mark is impressed by a TV programme featuring MSF’s front line work, in which an MSF doctor took off his thin gloves, blew air into it and gave it to a child who had just received treatment. "A small ‘toy’ like this is already a precious gift for the children. In such a deprived environment, it is difficult even to survive, quite apart from planning for the future." Mark supports MSF because the organisation not only focuses its work on alleviating patients’ physical pain, but also healing their minds and giving them hope.
Mark also wants children from his social centre to learn more about volunteering spirit and to foster their empathy. "Now, they might dream of becoming a doctor, a nurse or some other kind of professionals. I hope in the future, they will work as passionately and selflessly as MSF’s front line workers, whether they are just serving their next-door neighbors or strangers who are a thousand miles away.” Appreciation, reflection, and actions are the seeds that Mark hopes to implant in children’s hearts.
