Deacons Law Firm & Volunteers Cultivate Community Wellness Through Urban Farming in Hong Kong
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A collaborative effort between Deacons, a prominent Hong Kong law firm, and local volunteers is bolstering food security and well-being for elderly residents through innovative urban farming initiatives. On January 24, 25 employees joined 18 elderly volunteers to work at a rooftop farm in kwai fong, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and sustainable practices.
supporting Farm the City & Operation Santa Claus
The event took place at an urban farm operated by farm the City, a charity selected as one of 13 beneficiaries of this year’s Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual fundraising campaign. The funding received through OSC directly supports Farm the City’s mission to transform underutilized spaces within Hong Kong into thriving gardens. These gardens provide fresh vegetables and herbs to supplement the diets of low-income elderly residents.
Why is this happening? Deacons’ partnership with Farm the City addresses a growing need for both nutritional support and social connection among Hong Kong’s elderly population. The initiative aims to combat food insecurity and loneliness, particularly among low-income seniors. The project is funded through Operation Santa Claus, an annual fundraising campaign, and represents Deacons’ 15th year of support for the cause.
Beyond providing nutritional support, the project actively addresses the critical issue of social isolation among Hong Kong’s elderly population. By encouraging participation in farming activities,the initiative promotes physical activity and provides opportunities for socialization. “The project aims to improve the physical and mental well-being of elderly people by encouraging them to leave their homes to work on the farm and socialise,” according to a company release.
Who is involved? Deacons law firm, Farm the City, elderly volunteers, and Deacons employees are the key stakeholders. Farm the City operates the urban farms, while Deacons provides financial support through OSC and volunteer labor. Elderly residents benefit directly from the fresh produce and social interaction. Twenty-five Deacons employees and 18 elderly volunteers participated in a recent workday at a Kwai Fong rooftop farm.
Deacons’ Long-Standing Commitment to Hong Kong
This partnership marks the 15th consecutive year that Deacons has supported Operation Santa Claus,highlighting the firm’s enduring dedication to the Hong Kong community. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, Deacons recognizes its deep connection to the region. “We have benefited from Hong Kong,so it was good to give back to the community as it had done over the years,by doing pro bono work and supporting fundraising campaigns such as OSC,” stated a senior partner at Deacons.
The firm’s involvement extends beyond financial contributions, with employees actively participating in hands-on activities like weeding, tilling the soil, and transplanting seedlings alongside elderly volunteers. This collaborative spirit fosters intergenerational connections and reinforces the importance of community-driven solutions to address pressing social needs.
How does it work? Farm the City transforms underutilized urban spaces into gardens. OSC funding supports this change. Volunteers, including Deacons employees and elderly residents, maintain the gardens, growing vegetables and herbs. The produce is then distributed to low-income elderly residents. The program also provides a social outlet for seniors.
this initiative exemplifies a growing trend of leveraging urban spaces for sustainable food production and community building, offering a model for other cities seeking to enhance the well-being of their aging populations.
