YMCA of Hong Kong Domestic Helper Unit: 30th Annual Graduation Ceremony and YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

On May 1, 2025, YMCA of Hong Kong proudly hosted its "30th Annual Graduation Ceremony" and “YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner 2025” at the YMCAHK Headquarters. Themed "Together We Rise, Celebrating Our Journey", this event commemorated three decades of dedication and service to the Domestic Helpers Unit.

The Thanksgiving dinner, with the motto "Together We Thrive", symbolizes the collaborative efforts of the YMCA and ethnic minority communities in building a brighter future.

These events align with the YMCA Vision 2030, particularly the Just World pillar, which promotes an inclusive, fair and just community. The celebration brought together 100 graduates who shared their achievements and experiences, highlighting the profound impact of the program on their lives.

The Annual Graduation Ceremony recognizes and celebrates the achievements of graduates, honoring their hard work and dedication throughout their journey in the YMCA. This celebration serves not only to acknowledge individual accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for continued growth.

Additionally, YMCA organize specialized programs for domestic helpers in Hong Kong to foster a sense of community and support among domestic helpers, creating a nurturing environment where they can connect, share experiences, and uplift one another.

Moreover, the YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner commemorates the organization's 30-year commitment to supporting ethnic minority communities. This event aims to strengthen connections among diverse service recipients and recognize the invaluable contributions of individuals and groups advocating for these communities.

The "30th Annual Graduation Ceremony" features 100 graduates and special guests from the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong. During the opening ceremony, paper airplanes symbolising aspirations were placed on a bulletin board. In the evening, the Thanksgiving Dinner 2025 was specially held to celebrate the support from YMCA for ethnic minority communities over the past 30 years. The dinner was also honored to invite Ms. Shalini Mahtani, the 2020 Hong Kong Humanity Award recipient, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Zubin Foundation, as the officiating guest of the dinner, highlighting the difficulties faced by ethnic minorities and praising YMCA’s support.

This event enhanced recognition of the graduates' achievements and strengthened ties between YMCA and ethnic minority groups, fostering collaboration and raising awareness of their challenges.

The events highlighted the resilience and determination of domestic helpers as they navigate and overcome various challenges when staying in Hong Kong as an ethnic minority. Additionally, the importance of YMCA to gather community support emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing the lives of ethnic minority groups. Furthermore, the gatherings illuminated the potential for increased collaboration between organizations and communities as there are many guests were invited from different backgrounds and areas, paving the way for the development of impactful programs that can address the needs of these populations effectively in the future.

By Erica Ngai
Communications & Engagement Manager
YMCA of Hong Kong