First established in Diamond Hill back in 1963, Hans Andersen Club (HAC) was initially set up to provide support for children from underprivileged and minority backgrounds. It derives its name from one of history’s most prolific storytellers, Hans Christian Andersen. Andersen’s contribution to generations of children through his classic fairy tales (‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ and ‘The Ugly Duckling’, to name but a few) are symbolic of HAC’s support and commitment to Hong Kong’s youth for almost 60 years. Hans now operates six centres across the city - with more than 100,000 children and teenagers annually participating in their events and activities - and has broadened its remit to support programmes for the elderly and HK’s ethnic minorities. Hans Andersen Club was first opened on Lamma Island in 2001. Located in a quiet, tree-lined corner of Tai Wan New Village, a 10-minute walk from Yung Shue Wan Main St, HAC serves as a daily drop-in centre open to all, as well as offering a diverse range of projects and activities, designed and tailored to support the local Lamma community. Some of their mainstay programmes include Cantonese language classes for teens and adults (primarily focused on helping minorities learn the basics of the local vernacular), as well as community outreach visits to elderly residents on the island, assisting them with minor home repairs, basic exercise routines, nurse visits and even arranging haircuts and other such services. That’s not to mention their extensive summer programme for kids, parents and the elderly alike, which regularly incorporates water sports, hiking, camping, and numerous other outdoor activities.

Helping to coordinate this smorgasbord of activities are HAC Lamma’s core team of four - Fonnie, Steve, May and Ingrid. Despite having to constantly spin so many different plates, their hard work and dedication is admirable, clearly driven by their underlying passion for the HAC cause. Visit their centre on any given day, and you’re sure to be greeted with a warm welcome and a smile. Alongside the wonderful HAC staff, many of their programmes are also facilitated by a devoted team of volunteers, who are always on hand to utilise their skills and knowledge for the good of the community. For anyone that might be interested in volunteering, the process is now easier than ever through the use of the HINCare App - an app that works as a time bank, helping to connect volunteers with appropriate opportunities. More recently, HAC has also been granted funding from RTHK’s Community Involvement Broadcasting Service (CIBS) programme, to share the stories of multi-cultural families and individuals living on Lamma, as part of a new radio series called Lamma Love Stories. The whole program is run and produced by volunteers. Not only have these programmes and initiatives been about serving the most vulnerable in the community, but HAC has also become a place for people from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion or nationality, to join together in helping and supporting each other.