Hong Kong shelter for migrant women launches HK$2m donation drive after funding falls through
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong’s longest-running shelter for distressed migrant women has launched a donation drive after grants it was counting on for funding fell through.
Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge hopes to raise HK$2 million with its Save Our Shelter campaign to ensure that it can continue to operate.
Edwina Antonio, executive director of Bethune House, told HKFP on Friday that the shelter had applied for grants from several foundations, funding agencies and church grant institutions – some of which had provided funding in the past.
“We were happy that we were invited to submit a proposal this year,” Antonio said by messaging app. “We thought it was a good sign but unfortunately our application was not shortlisted in the end.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, Antonio said the shelter had been left “compromised.”
“Sadly, we only have funds to operate for the next two months. With only some regular donors and pledgers, how can we keep the shelter open? What will happen to these women residents we care for?”
However, the statement noted Antonio’s optimism that Bethune House would raise the HK$1 million needed, noting how “the kind-hearted Hong Kong community” had come together during Covid-19 to offer assistance and resources to support the shelter and the women it provided refuge for.
Founded in 1986, Bethune House has given shelter, food, financial and medical assistance, and case support to over 600 women per year.
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