Celia Garcia – Hysan 95

Celia Garcia

Long-term Po Leung Kuk volunteer

“Have you ever heard of ‘airplane olives’?” asks Celia Garcia. “Hawkers would scream from the ground floor, selling their snacks from the street, so we’d drop money down from our balcony and they’d throw the olives up to us. We’d rush down when someone called out offering black sesame sweet cakes, turnip cakes or red bean pudding.”

Celia has plenty of stories to tell about Causeway Bay – she and her seven siblings lived in the neighbourhood until she turned 13. As a child, their home overlooked Lee Theatre and she can recall seeing Hong Kong stars such as Yam Kim Fai and Bak Shuet Sin emerging from the theatre. These days, her focus is on another part of the district and, another part of the community.

For the past 16 years, Celia has dedicated her time helping Po Leung Kuk, the charitable organisation located next to Caroline Hill Road. The iconic building has existed since 1932, though the organisation was founded in 1878. Po Leung Kuk aids the community through family services such as child care, education, rehabilitation, medical and health care and elderly care.

“When you think of Causeway Bay, you see the prosperous side or immediately think of shopping,” she says. “But there’s another part to Hong Kong, a real world that people have to face and deal with. It’s important for people to remember that Hong Kong was quite poor for a time; children were orphaned and left on the streets. It warms my heart to know that Po Leung Kuk took care of them, and until now continues to do so.”

Celia worked in the textile equipment business before retiring 20 years ago. She is a strong advocate for education, particularly learning languages, inspired by her first job. “I strongly believe young people should polish their English, because when you do business with the outside world, Cantonese doesn’t get you anywhere. I learned the hard way.”

“It’s important for people to remember that Hong Kong was quite poor for a time; children were orphaned and left on the streets. It warms my heart to know that Po Leung Kuk took care of them, and until now continues to do so.”

“We didn’t raise a lot of money in the beginning. After three years, I told my husband that only helping a handful wasn’t enough.”

It was Celia’s husband, Dave, who started her involvement in Po Leung Kuk. He was on the board of directors at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club and sought his wife’s advice on fundraising for a worthy cause. Celia, who was already donating monthly contributions, suggested Po Leung Kuk.

In 2001, the inaugural FCC Ball took place, and the pair set up the Foreign Correspondents Club Scholarship Fund. “The fund subsidised students’ living expenses, so they would have a monthly income – similar to parents giving their children pocket money – so they aren’t working and can focus on their studies,” she says.

“We didn’t raise a lot of money in the beginning. After three years, I told my husband that only helping a handful wasn’t enough.” Determined to do more, Celia worked with the Polytechnic University’s language centre to set up a curriculum for the children at Po Leung Kuk. “I noticed the kids were so shy when they met strangers, especially if it was a Westerner, because their English wasn’t good,” she explains. “So they taught them through storytelling, songs, video games, cooking classes – just fun. These kids were learning English and Mandarin in a very happy way – it was very successful!”

The language classes have expanded to Tai Wai, offering about 800 children a chance to learn and improve their English and Mandarin. Po Leung Kuk operates 122 educational service units, including 97 registered schools, in Hong Kong – all of which are non-profit.

Now known as the Hong Kong Rugby Union Charity Ball, the fundraiser has welcomed international acts such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, INXS, Blondie, The Supremes, and The Temptations to perform over the years. Local stars Stephen Chow, Joey Yung and Jacky Cheung have also advocated for the charity. Celia says the charity’s work touches many people.

“The kids who live at Po Leung Kuk, all they really need is some love,” says Celia. “One of the most memorable times I’ve experienced is when I met a pair of twins who I used to visit when they were children. They looked so sad as kids, they never wanted to join the other kids but always caught my attention. I saw them this year and their English is amazing! It gives me such a good feeling in my heart, and it really makes it worth it.”

For Celia, there is an important lesson to be gleaned from the existence of Po Leung Kuk: “Hong Kong is progressing very quickly. People forget how others are suffering. The image of Causeway Bay is shopping and not much else – but Po Leung Kuk is one of the oldest buildings in Hong Kong. It represents roots and culture for the people in Hong Kong. Po Leung Kuk is really from Hong Kong people for Hong Kong people – it’s part of our roots, and everyone puts their heart into it. Though my husband and I have no children, we always tell people we have 300 children at Po Leung Kuk.”