02 Together

In the past, he was a drug addict. He was a leader in the triad. He was an

undutiful son who wanted to kill his father. Now, he is a volunteer who helps

the rehabilitated offenders. He is both a good husband and a good son.

Interview

C M Y K

Ben“If I don’t care about you, no one will care about you any more.” This line changed the life of Ben Kuen.

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“If I don’t care about you, no one will care about you any more.” This line changed the life of Ben Kuen. Ben determined to quit drugs and the triad and got to know God. He was so moved by God’s love that he was undaunted by difficulties and hardship.

Today’s Ben Kuen“I’m sorry to make you wait.” A tall and stout gentleman

rushed in.

Not long afterwards, he asked, “Want any soft drink? It is so hot today! If you don’t want it, I’ll fetch it for myself only.” He then took out a can of coke and gulped it down. The Ben Kuen in front of me is a gentleman with energy and vigor. It is really hard to imagine that he was once a drug addict.

“You can ask whatever questions you want.” He said it relaxingly, without the slightest reluctance to refer back to the past.

Today, Ben was one of the winners of the “Top Ten Outstanding Persons 2008” in Hong Kong. He is also the owner of a decoration and design firm. His daily schedule is fully packed. After this interview, he needs to prepare for the next meeting.

Yesterday’s Ben Kuen“When I was young, I didn’t like to listen to the senior.

I looked for peer’s recognition only. At that time, I always watched the heroic movies. I found that in addition to the police, there were some other ‘powerful’ organizations.”

Ben recommended himself to the triad. After joining the triad, he engaged in fighting, speak foul languages, play truant and get away from his parents. He tried drugs simply because he wanted to show off his “heroic” nature among girls. Having tried once, Ben could only think of taking drugs day after day. He even sold his properties and set up a “loan collecting” firm.

The situation had lasted till Ben learnt from Vicky, his wife, what unfailing and lasting love was. At that time, Vicky knew well that Ben was engaged in illegal acts. She kept on

Ben Ben

Ben

Ben 2008

MBA

Ben

Ben

Vicky

Ben Vicky Ben

Ben

Ben Ben

Ben ! Ben’s graduation!

04 Together

Interview

Vicky Ben

Ben

Vicky Ben

Ben

Ben

Ben Ben

Ben

Vicky

Ben

Ben

persuading Ben and chose to believe that he would change. “If I don’t care about you, no one will care about you anymore.” Ben was moved and attempted to go to the rehab center to quit drugs. Right before entering the center, Ben nearly chopped his father into pieces under the strong influence of drugs. Fortunately, Vicky called her friend to stop Ben on time. Ben was then sentenced to stay in the rehab center for one year. With Vicky’s support and encouragement, Ben succeeded in quitting drugs and determined to seize the Divine opportunity to turn a new lease.

Re-integration to SocietyIt is easier said than done for an ex-drug addict with

criminal records to re-integrate into the society. Even though he was willing to change, people around might not be willing to accept.

When Ben just left the rehab center, Vicky and the priest arranged Ben to live in Peng Chau so as to ensure Ben not to revert to the old habit. There was only a nylon bed, a refrigerator, a Bible and a guitar in the house. Every day, Ben read the Bible, played guitar and sang hymns. He hoped to turn a new lease and live a normal life. But, he could not find the way out. He always prayed in tears. Without a job, he could only receive financial assistance from his girlfriend. Despite the hard life, Ben did not give up.

“God saves me, a bad guy. If I give up, I will lose God and a good girlfriend. Tomorrow is a better day. I must hang on!” With his never-give-up spirit, he lived through the days of four walls only. Eventually, he found a job in a community center. He could finally make a re-start, but it was just the beginning of subsequent challenges.

“No one believed that I had changed. People said a lot of bad words at my back, like ‘Once a drug addict, forever a drug addict.’ or ‘What’s the use of working hard? Go back to drug!’ Someone even thought that I must have other intentions.” At that time, his parents did not believe he had changed as well. Whenever he felt sad or he could not endure, Vicky would encourage him not to give up. He remembered once his supervisor teased him and said he only knew how to clean the toilet. He was so angry that he wanted to beat his supervisor. But Ben chose to endure, carry on his work and insist on doing it well. The Board of Directors of the agency appreciated his

BenThe Home’s Chief Executive, Mrs. Chan thanks Ben for being our guest.

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Ben

“My conscience was devoured by the drugs. I could do almost everything under the influence of drugs. So, you set off on a no-return dead end upon your first try with drugs.” From the age of 13 to 30, he took drugs every day, made out loans, and threatened others. He even tried once to run after his father to kill him under the influence of drugs. In the book, Ben shared his story from perversion to transformation to resurrection. The past drug king swam across the sea of drugs and transformed from a triad leader to one of the Top Ten Outstanding Persons in Hong Kong.

Hearty

Sharing

“I swam across the sea of drugs – a journal of new life from an ex-drug addict” Author Ben Kuen

endurance and efforts. In return, they asked him to take charge of a social enterprise project.

“I have this kind of experiences. If I don’t help those in adversity, I think I’m wasting my life.” So, he started to become a volunteer who moved the rehabilitated offenders by his own stories. To this date, he has continued his counselor’s role regardless of his busy schedule.

The unfailing and lasting love of his wife drove his determination to quit drugs. The unfailing and lasting love of God made him live again. LOVE transformed Ben from a drug addict into a counselor who influences the others through his own life. LOVE can change the world. Let’s promote the power of love with Ben to change more lives!

Ben

Ben

I have this kind of experiences. If I don’t help those in adversity, I think I’m wasting my life.

Ben and Lam Woon-kwong.

“Top Ten Outstanding Persons” – Ben Kuen.

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Karrie “Everything is Possible” Project was organized to cultivate children from broken and low-income families with the every-is-possible spirit, through outreaching and adventure programs. The first “Everything is Possible” Writing Competition was also launched to promote this spirit and give the children a platform for experience sharing. Let’s see what is meant by “Everything is Possible” from the views of children together! Below are the excerpts from the winning pieces.

Lesson

Karrie’s “Everything is Possible” Writing Competition: Winners’ Works

Karrie “Everything is Possible” Writing Competition: Winners’ Works

C M Y K

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!

08 Together

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The Home’s children were invited by Bee Chung (Ah Bee) to participate in his daughter Blythe’s Birthday Party in Disneyland. Ah Bee and his daughters played together with the children in Disneyland that afternoon too. They then went to Disneyland Hotel for Blythe’s Birthday Party. Not only delicious food were provided, balloon professionals were onsite to make funny cartoon balloons for the children and exciting magical show was also arranged. All children was elated!

Blythe’s Disneyland Birthday Party

Group photo!

BAh Bee and his daughters played with the Home’s children!

The brilliant St. Christopher’s Home Juggling team

Snapshot

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15 Jason

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqqIkpQCqfw&feature=share Jason

St. Christopher’s Home Juggling team participated in the Hong Kong Youth Juggling Cup Competition in July. Their brilliant performance brought them magnificent results – all of the four children were awarded. Jason, a 15-year-old boy, won the Champion of Thrown Group. To appreciate Jason’s performance, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqqIkpQCqfw&feature=share !

Jason ! Jason won the Thrown Group Champion!

! All children won the awards!

30ATV 2012J u l y : Fo s te r c a re pa ren t , Mr s . Tang was nominated as one of the ATV Hong Kong Loving Hearts 2012.

Sunday Kiss Jason

July:“Sunday Kiss” published an interview on Jason, a young resident of the Small Group Home.

TVB

June: TVB inews interviewed one of the Small Group Home’s house parents.

Media Publicity

TVB ATV

Sunday Kiss

“ ”

Thanks to our media partners for promoting and raising public awareness about spreading love to the needy children in Hong Kong! This quarter, we have worked with TVB inews, ATV, RTHK, Sunday Kiss of Oriental Sunday and Apple Daily on different interviews, which helped deepen public’s understanding of the Home’s services.

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“Cognizance of Hong Kong Families about

Foster care services” Survey Result

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Facebook

This year’s “Love Chocolate Charity Sale” will be launched in December to help the needy children. The design of the lovely gift boxes/packs are completed. Please visit our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/SKHSCH) for details.

The Home partnered with Plaza Hollywood on Mother’s Day to share the experience of being foster parents, in order to encourage people to support and join this service. At the same time, the result of “Cognizance of Hong Kong Families of about Foster care service” was released. The survey reviews that 75% of the interviewed couples refused to be foster parents and about 30% misunderstood that only unruly or chronically ill children need foster care service. “Don’t want to bear the responsibility of taking care foster children”, “Lacking living condition” and “Fearing other’s misunderstanding that he/she is sterile” were also the main obstacles hindering them to become foster parents.

According to Social Welfare Department, there were 925 foster families in total as of March 2012. 917 children have been fostered while 200 children are still waiting. At least 3 families have to be provided for each child matching, in order to ensure the child to be appointed to the most suitable family. Hence, Hong Kong needs 600 foster care families to solve the urgent need. The Home strongly encourages more families to join the foster care service.

Chocolate Rain 　 Love without boundaries!

Items for sale

+ 30 Mini gift box (1 chocolate heart + 2 pieces of jelly chocolates) $30 per box

100 Deluxe gift box (9 chocolate hearts) $100 per box

128 Supreme gift pack (Chocolate Rain canvas bag + 2 Mini gift boxes) $128 per pack

168 Limited edition gift pack (Chocolate Rain PU bag + 5 chocolate hearts) $168 per pack

+ + + + Chocolate Rain 699 10 Love basket (Love bear, Man-Made Rose, 3 Mini gift boxes, 1 Deluxe gift box, Ceramic cup) $699 per basket (10 baskets only)

Enquiry 2520 1056 3756 4488 www.skhsch.org.hk

Hello Kitty

Dah Sing Hello Kitty S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home

“Little Leadership Programme”

10 Together

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Karrie “Everything is Possible” Project Recognition Ceremony was held on July 8, in which 10 children were awarded. This year is the sixth year since this project was launched in 2007. It aims to cultivate the children from broken and low-income families with the spirit of “Everything is Possible”, through outreaching and adventure programs. Thirty children aged from 9 to 15 participated in the program. The first “Everything is Possible” Writing Competition was organized also to spread the spirit.

Karrie “Everything is Possible” Recognition Ceremony

Hello Kitty Representatives of Dah Sing Bank, St. Christopher’s Home and Hello Kitty kicked off the “Little Leadership Programme”.

Hello KittyHello Kitty took photo with the Home’s children.

Winners of “Everything is Possible” Project Award.

Companion

Hello Kitty

40 200

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Thanks to Dah Sing Hello Kitty Credit Card Spending Promotion Scheme’s support. The Home is sponsored to launch a one-year “Little Leadership Programme” that helps about 200 children in need. Around 40 courses will be held within a year. The programme was kick started on June 7 at Heartlink. “We would like to build up children’s confidence and develop their leadership skills through this programme. Volunteer service will also be arranged afterwards, so that they could apply their skills and serve the community.” said Mrs. Viola Yeung , Assistant Chief Executive of the Home.

Photo of Writing Competition winners and Ben Kuen.

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200

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With the great help of our volunteers, we have successfully recruited over 110 new sponsors and raised over $110,000 at the International Baby / Children Products Expo on 2nd August to 5th August. The fund raised is designated for providing accommodation / after school care service, daily necessities, tutorial support, emotional counseling and development opportunities for children from broken or low-income families.

! Sincere thanks to the great help of the volunteers!

! Sponsor promoted the Scheme together with his daughter!

Thank You for Your Great Support!

Sheng Kung Hui St. Christopher’s Home LimitedDonation Hotline: 3756 4488 Fax: 2520 1725 Website: www.skhsch.org.hk E-mail: fundraise@skhsch.org.hk

Remarks:1. Please whichever appropriate.

2. 21 15 2520 1725 Please complete the form and return to S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home, 15/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, H.K. or fax to 2520 1725.

3. 28 If payment by autopay or credit card, donation will be debited from your autopay or credit card account monthly until your further notification.

4. 100 Donations of $100 or above is tax exempted by official receipt.

5. 3756 4488 Your personal data will be used for issuing official receipt and future correspondence with the Home. For enquiries, please contact our staff on 3756 4488.

Payment By:

Credit Card please fax the completed form to: 2520 1725 Visa Master Card

Card holder name:

Expiry date: month year Valid for at least two months

Card no: Signature:

If payment by credit card, donation will be debited automatically from your credit card account monthly until your further notification.

Monthly Autopay Help reduce our administrative expenses Please send the Autopay Form to me. www.skhsch.org.hk I will download the Autopay Form from www.skhsch.org.hk

Online Donation Please visit www.skhsch.org.hk Applicable to one-off/annual donation by credit card only

7-Eleven 7-Eleven Cash Donation 100 5,000 Applicable to one-off/annual donation; for cash donation of $100-$5,000 only.

Please donate at the cashier counter with designation to “S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home”.

Crossed Cheque Payable to “Sheng Kung Hui St. Christopher’s Home Limited”.

Direct Bank-in 037-002821-001HSBC account no. 037-002821-001; please return

bank’s original pay-in slip with donor’s name, contact no. and address written at the back. IR Ref. No.: 91/4261 N-LY-10/12

I would like to join “Lok-lok & Yiu-yiu” Sponsorship Scheme 50 The Scheme is for all children of the Home. No individual

child will be matched. The minimum sponsorship fee is $50 per month, at least one year commitment. Sponsors will receive a “Lok-lok & Yiu-yiu” souvenir and can meet the Home’s children twice a year.

Monthly payment $300 $200 $100 Others $ for credit card or autopay only

Annual payment $2,400 $1,200 $600 Others $

“Lok-lok & Yiu-yiu” souvenir Please mail to me. Please do not send to me.

I would like to make an one-off donation for “Lok-lok & Yiu-yiu” Sponsorship Scheme

$3,000 $2,000 $1,000 Others $

Donor’s Information:

/ Name (English) Mr./Ms.

Room / Flat Floor Block / Tower / Building / Estate

/ Street District Hong Kong Kowloon New Territories

* Mobile No.*: Tel No: E-mail:

* To save administration fee, SMS will be sent to your mobile no. as a confirmation of receiving this form.

Advisor Mrs. Paulina Chan Publisher Ms. Florence Tsang Editor 林世惞 Ms. Grace Lam

Office 21 15

15/F., The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Tel (852) 2520 1056 Fax (852) 2520 1725E-mail admin@skhsch.org.hk Website www.skhsch.org.hk

Please inform the Home if you receive duplicate copy and give the copy to your friends and relatives.

A MEMBER AGENCY OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST

Des

ign

by OpentheClose

Kid’s Talk

13 7 2012 6