Helping Hand:

Shrewsbury International School students are lending a helping hand to children in need.

Youngsters making a difference

A few months ago, primary school student HENRY ZARIN felt compelled to help Hong Kong’s refugee community. He was moved after learning about migration and the plight of refugees at school. Christmas was looming and he knew it would be a challenging time for families who had left everything behind to start a new life.

“I became aware of this issue last year at Shrewsbury International School when we held a fundraiser to help the refugees and their families,” says Henry. “With the holidays approaching, I thought it would be nice to organise a gift drive to gather presents for the refugees. I hoped we would be able to spread some holiday cheer.”

Getting it done

So, Henry got busy making his vision of a refugee gift drive a reality. He pitched to senior staff, mobilised his school mates and organised a successful gift drive. What an amazing achievement for a young person! The initiative gathered holiday gifts and other donations for refugees living in our city.

With help from his parents, Henry found organisations in Hong Kong that would take Shrewsbury’s donated gifts to refugees. “Mr Philip Thorpe of UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, introduced me to RUN HK, a charity that helps support refugees in Hong Kong,” he says.

Support from others

Henry even enlisted the help of big brands. “I’m so thankful for the support we received from Acumen Paper, who donated notebooks, Kukri Hong Kong, who donated rugby shirts for children and adults, The Quarry Bay Towel Lady, who donated towels and ponchos for babies and children, and Beaumont & Brown – Sleep Naked, who donated towels for teenagers and adults. My family also donated backpacks (rucksacks) for all of the kids, and around 100 reusable water bottles.”

The students took on the enormous task of wrapping and personalising each of the gifts. Next, they brought the gifts to a holiday party organised by RUN HK. “We spent time with the refugees, played games, enjoyed a clown show, and then gave out the donated gifts and items,” says Henry.

The efforts have impressed many people, among them the Principal of Shrewsbury, BEN KEELING. “We feel immensely proud of everything Henry has been able to accomplish in his refugee gift drive to improve the lives of others,” says Ben. “He must be delighted with the scale of contribution – his compassion and determination have proven an irresistible combination.”

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong is at 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O.

2480 1500 | shrewsbury.edu.hk