Despite our optimism, anticipated grants that we were counting on have regrettably fallen through this year, leaving us in a severely compromised situation. Sadly, this reflects the reality that funding opportunities for the welfare needs of distressed migrant domestic workers are indeed wanting in Hong Kong.
Our funds can only cover expenses for the next two months, and we need your help to keep our doors open until the end of the year. We are determined to do everything possible to gather community support to overcome this challenge. Thus, we approach you to partner with us in our “Save Our Shelter (S.O.S.) Drive”.
For the past 38 years, the Bethune House has been the longest-running charitable shelter for migrant women who find themselves homeless, jobless, vulnerable, distressed, or abused. Every week, more than five distressed migrant women seek refuge from us. We accommodate up to 30 of these women daily and more than 680 annually. These women are not allowed to seek employment and rely solely on charitable aid while awaiting the resolution of their cases.
We humbly appeal to your kindness and compassion to help us raise HK$1 million in order to sustain our operations until the end of the year. This would cover rent and utilities for our two shelters and provide food and other necessities such as personal hygiene items, medical needs, visa extension fees, transportation, and documentation during their legal processes.
Your support, whether through a pledge of any amount or by initiating fundraising efforts within your network, would mean the world to us. We kindly ask for your help in spreading the word to individuals and organizations with a charitable inclination. If you could connect us with potential donors, corporate social responsibility programs, philanthropists, or foundations, it would significantly advance our cause.
We believe that saving the shelter depends on many hands working together, including yours. We are confident that you can contribute to the overall drive to raise HK$ 1 million in the next two months. We are counting on you.
Every donation, regardless of amount, will make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable migrant women.
All cash donations of HK$100 and above are tax deductible in Hong Kong.
We will gladly assist interested donors to set up an autopay system if they wish to do so to become our regular pledgers.
Bethune House depends on the generosity of supporters and philanthropists like you to provide vital support and comprehensive assistance to empower migrant women in crisis. Your generosity will change lives and empower those in need. Your presence and dedication to not letting these women down fills us with deep gratitude.
Thank you for standing with Bethune House and the distressed migrant women we serve! We are here today because of your support.
With much gratitude,
Edwina Antonio
Executive Director