Charlotte Hwang of Foodlink Foundation
Foodlink Foundation founder Charlotte Hwang proves that charity really does start at home. The passion she now calls her own was ignited by her mother, Vanessa Hwang, who several years ago had a conversation with friends that would forever link the women’s lives. Recalls Charlotte: “They were discussing what a pity it was to let food leftovers be wasted and discarded from hotel buffets, restaurants, and catering events every day.”
Mama Hwang began a food recycling program in 2001 that unfortunately stalled during Sars. Then one year ago, Charlotte, not long out of university and new to her current job marketing food and wine, decided to give mum’s cause another try. The mission remains simple in concept yet deceptively complex to execute: deliver food from the haves to the have-nots.
After pressing contacts around town, Hwang and her mother convinced heavyweight donors like Island Shangri-La and Maxim’s Catering Limited to give Foodlink their surplus prepared food. Hwang coordinates with needy recipients, such as Home of Love in Sham Shui Po and St Barnabas Society and Home.
Despite making fast inroads, Hwang says challenges are basic. “Foodlink doesn’t even have a truck at the moment. We need to fundraise for that.” With dawning alarm she adds: “I think we might need an accountant!”
Ultimately, however, Foodlink’s continued existence comes from Hwang and her team’s faith in the project. "In the end, I think Foodlink Foundation has only come this far because we believed it would, and could work, and remembered that the cause is worth it."
Get involved!
Foodlink knows you can do good in style. Their first fundraiser takes place this Friday 21 at Armani/Bar, 2/F, Chater House, Central, from 7pm. There will be refreshments, a live band, a lucky draw, a silent auction, and a DJ spinning from 9.30pm. Call 9086 8668 to book: $480 in advance, $520 at the door; to attend after 9.30pm it’s $280 in advance, $320 at the door. foodlinkfoundation.org.
Read about Hong Kong’s other do-it-yourself philanthropists:
Michelle Temple of Hong Kong Alleycat WatchCharlotte Hwang of Foodlink Foundation
Benedicte Benoit of Caress
Jesmond Fan of The Nesbitt Centre
Max Wong of St Barnabas Society and Home
John Wood’s guide to starting a charity
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