In celebration of our 60th Anniversary this Summer, KFBG launched two very special activities - one of which was the KAAA Heritage Hunt, in which participants were tasked with searching for Kadoorie Agriculture Aid Association (KAAA) relics in the Hong Kong countryside. In the other activity - titled 60 Years of Special Moments with KFBG - KAAA beneficiaries and visitors were invited to reminisce about the ‘good old days’.

This particular initiative was an instant hit with the public, prompting many to share their stories on the KFBG Facebook site; of particular poignancy were beneficiaries’ stories of receiving help and support from Sir Horace Kadoorie when suffering problematical situations. The comments and messages, in fact, revealed much more than their personal difficulties with their varied references to the history of Hong Kong’s agricultural past.

Panels of KAAA Heritage Hunt map, KFBG old photos and stories of past beneficiaries and visitors were displayed at the 60th Anniversary Corner at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, Shek Kip Mei.

A guided tour of 'Fantastic Forests - Embracing the Vitality of Trees’ was given to the awardees on 6 August 2016.

Also of interest were the memories of many keen and professional hikers who recalled their precious discoveries of KAAA heritage sites all over Hong Kong. They even re-visited the places and recorded the grid reference of the heritage sites. From 2nd to 21st August, we held an exhibition showcasing a heritage map as well as the stories submitted by past KAAA beneficiaries and visitors to the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC) – an integral part of our ‘Fantastic Forests - Embracing the Vitality of Trees’ Nature and Culture Exhibition. On 6th August 2016, awardees were invited to a well-attended Presentation Ceremony, at which souvenirs were presented to exceptionally supportive awardees.

A group photo of the awardees with KFBG Executive Director Andy Brown (second from left, second row).

The event also caught the attention of the press, with reporters eager to interview several KAAA beneficiaries. Most encouraging was the knowledge that the donations received by many of them - now in much better straits or retired - prompted the recipients to help others in need. Ninety-year old Chow Yun Kuk, for example, passed on the benevolence to people in need after she had retired, recently distributing more than 2,000kg of rice to the needy elderly of Hong Kong. Other past beneficiaries also continue to help the community by undertaking volunteer work for charity groups.

Chow Yun Kuk (Left) and her daughter (Right)

The ceremony concluded in a warm and convivial atmosphere; in fact, the awardees’ stories can now be read online. Heritage Hunt and 60 Years of Special Moments with KFBG Phase II were launched in October 2016 and can be participated in until the end of December.

All are welcome to join!