What is Mother's Choice?

We are a local charity serving the many children without families
and pregnant teenagers in Hong Kong. With the community
around US, we give hope and change the life stories of vulnerable
girls and babies. Our vision is to see every child in a safe, loving
and permanent family.

What brought you to Mother’s Choice?

My parents were two of the wroundcrs, so I grew up
volunteering at Mother’s Choice. When I saw the job advertised
in the SCMP I realized, I want to do thisjob! My experience as
a mrpomte lawyer helps me run this organization of 140 stall
and 700 regular volunteers who help serve the community
throughout the year. Four years in, I realize that this isn'tjust a
job, it’s really a calling, I cry every day hearing heartbreaking
stories, but I get so much joy from seeing lives changed.

How much do you attribute HKIS focus on service learning to where you are today?

As an HKIS student I had opportunities that most other people
in the world never experience. My mom, who taught at I-IKIS
when I was little, and my teachers, including Mst Zellu. Talbot
and Dr. Marty Schmidt, were so passionate about teaching the
obligation to terve others - service became an important part
of school and life. They gave me the claim to give back to my
community.

How important is HKIS community to you?

When they say it takes a village to raise a child, I really believe
that. I have three little kids and I can’t raise them all by myself!
HKJS community members from students to parents, teachers
and alumni, keep this place going as volunteem and staII members.
Of our zenmzing volunteers, about 450 come \st‘eltly to true for
our babies from 7 a-m. to 10 p.m., providing a tactile environment
where our babies are being cuddled, held and melted. Many of
the volunteers are connected to HKIS and many cared for
children have become I'IKIS students themsehes.‘ I-iKIS
community members inwst in us in so many ways, in fact the
co-chair of our board, is an I-IKIS parent.