Where To Volunteer In Hong Kong: Charities & Social Enterprises

If you’re looking for volunteering opportunities in Hong Kong, these nonprofits, charities and social enterprises are worth checking out.

Hong Kong encourages living life on the busy end of the spectrum, but there’s no denying that we can all afford to make time for the causes we care about. Investing your efforts into worthwhile organisations can be one of the most meaningful ways to donate, and one of the most productive ways to spend your hours. In a place that prides itself on sky-high success, it’s often a surprise to see how much work still needs to be done in this city. The truth is, there’s always more to do — and there’s no better time to start.

When choosing where to volunteer, it’s worth asking yourself what existing skills you have that could be useful. Cause-driven organisations are often looking for people to support marketing, design, legal work, education, translation, event management and fundraising. It’s also worth being clear about your commitment level. Some organisations are only looking for a one-off Saturday, others can require set times each week/month. Whether you’re looking for ways to give back to the community individually, as a group or as a company, there are plenty of worthwhile charities and social enterprises looking for support. We’ve listed organisations doing inspiring and necessary work, with a little info about how you can help.

Jump to:
Support Animal Welfare
Support Health And Wellness
Support Children And Families
Support People With Disabilities
Support The Elderly
Support Food Giveaways
Support The Environment And Green Living
Support Women’s Rights
Support Domestic Helpers
Support Ethnic Minorities And Refugees
Overarching Volunteer Platforms

Support Animal Welfare

Lifelong Animal Protection Charity (LAP)

LAP helps animals in Hong Kong find safe and loving homes. Volunteers help by organising events, walking dogs, bottle-feeding motherless puppies and kittens, plus matching shelter pets with the right prospective adopters and more.

LAP, 6477 1492, www.lap.org.hk

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

Volunteers are encouraged to help with a range of work including dog walking, animal care, humane education, kennel keeping and finding animals their forever homes.

SPCA, 2802 0501, www.spca.org.hk

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR)

As one of Hong Kong’s most active and successful dog re-homing organisations, HKDR volunteers are primarily dog walkers. The organisation is also looking for volunteers interested in professional photography, graphic design, event planning, and fundraising, so get in touch if you fit the bill!

HKDR, www.hongkongdogrescue.com

Kirsten’s Zoo

This animal rescue charity provides the opportunity to foster or adopt furry friends looking for a new home. It primarily provides homes for cats and dogs but also supports animals such as hamsters, bunnies and birds — perfect for smaller homes. As a volunteer-run animal rescue organisation, extra hands on deck are often needed (tasks may include feeding and cleaning up after kittens).

Kirsten’s Zoo, www.kirstenszoo.com

Read More: Adopting A Dog In Hong Kong 101

Animals Asia

Animals Asia works to bring about long-term change for animal wellbeing, rescuing over 500 bears, and working to end the trade of dogs and cats for food in China and Vietnam. Whether you’re looking to volunteer with the Professor Paws programme as an Education Advisor or be part of a group representing Animals Asia at events and festivals, there’s something for every animal lover looking to make a sustainable difference!

Animals Asia, 2791 2225, www.animalsasia.org

Catherine’s Puppies

This Sai Kung-based shelter is focused on rescuing dogs and giving them the best possible care until they are homed. Whether you’re looking to adopt or simply volunteer your time to spend a day helping out at Catherine’s, you’re sure to find yourself in good company.

Catherine’s Puppies, 6799 7530, mlsparrow.wixsite.com/catherinespuppies

Hong Kong Alley Cat Watch

Hong Kong Alley Cat Watch fosters newborn kittens (who need bottle feeding), young cats, older kittens, or FIV positive cats.

Hong Kong Alley Cat Watch, www.hkalleycatwatch.com

LumiVoce

With a mission to shed light (Lumi) on the plight of wildlife that is being driven to extinction by human demand, and to provide a voice (Voce) so that these endangered species may be protected, LumiVoce harnesses the power of innovative music to demonstrate the interconnectedness of all living things. It is looking for volunteers in operations support, admin, communications, technology, video production, research and content creation.

LumiVoce, www.lumivoce.org

Support Health And Wellness

Crossroads Foundation

Hong Kong-based charity, Crossroads Foundation assists people in need by distributing valuable goods, partnering with global companies looking to make a difference, providing simulation experiences and much more. Check out the specific ways you can volunteer here.

Crossroads Foundation, www.crossroads.org.hk

The Zubin Foundation

The Zubin Foundation is an independent nonprofit organisation working to raise awareness about social issues that do not receive enough attention in Hong Kong. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a student, volunteers are welcome. Graphic design, project management, IT, or marketing skills are particularly useful at the moment.

The Zubin Foundation, 2540 9588, www.zubinfoundation.org

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF)

With a team of psychologists, registered nurses, social workers and breast cancer survivors, the HKBCF offers a diversified support service from treatment preparation to recovery. Volunteers help through hands-on patient support, assisting at fundraising events and public education activities, volunteering at homes, providing services such as translation, editing, proofreading, design work, and administrative support.

HKBCF, 2525 6033, www.hkbcf.org

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity builds, rehabilitates and repairs simple and affordable homes in communities, in more than 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. This is made possible through support from homeowner families, donors, partner organisations and volunteers. It requires volunteers in Hong Kong and all over APAC.

Habitat for Humanity, 2530 3379, www.habitat.org.hk

Art in Hospital

Got a creative side? This charitable institution promotes therapeutic art creation through the development of hospital art. Volunteers are involved in creating therapeutic art displays within hospitals in Hong Kong and get to experience the benefits of art (and community service!) first hand.

Art in Hospital, 2824 6138, www.aih.org.hk

World Cancer Research Fund Hong Kong (WCRF)

WCRF’s mission is to champion the latest, authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival. Help raise cancer prevention awareness by volunteering at fundraising events, distributing promotion materials or helping with office work.

WCRF, www.wcrf.org

Support Children And Families

Changing Young Lives Foundation

This foundation serves young people in need from Hong Kong and China. Volunteers help with a number of services and activities including tutoring, mentoring, skill coaching and training. It requires help for fundraising, surveys and research.

Changing Young Lives Foundation, 2511 0505, www.changingyounglives.org.hk

Youth Diabetes Action (YDA)

With the motto “no child will be held back”, YDA is dedicated to serving the needs of children with diabetes and their families in Hong Kong. It provides counselling, financial assistance to families in need, as well as educational activities to ensure all its members can grow up happy and healthy. As the only charity in Hong Kong focused on serving young people with diabetes, it is looking for photographers/videographers, graphic designers, clerical and administrative assistants, translators, and individuals interested in fundraising.

YDA, 2544 3263, www.yda.org.hk

InspiringHK Sports Foundation

InspiringHK Sports Foundation supports underprivileged youths through sports programmes in the city. The volunteers are a diverse team of wholehearted, committed individuals who work to create an environment where ideas are respected and all kids are supported.

InspiringHK, 5605 6013, www.inspiringhk.org

The Hub Hong Kong

This children’s support space works to help underprivileged youths by providing food, education, social health and wellbeing services. It recruits volunteers to mentor and support students with their studying, peer relationships, family relationships and personal growth. Classes range from Maths and English to Music and Dance.

The Hub, 2720 5211, www.thehubhk.org

ChickenSoup Foundation (CSF)

CSF is a grassroots philanthropic organisation supported by working professionals. It focuses on empowering children, youth and elders under extreme hardship. With a focus on family relief, education and empowerment, CSF strives to restore confidence and strength for self-independence.

CSF, 2541 0200, www.chickensoupfoundation.org

Adoptive Families of Hong Kong (AFHK)

AFHK is a non-profit, volunteer-run charitable organisation made up of people connected by the common experience of adoption. From the organisation of events and activities at the Steering Committee level to the running of events at ground level, new volunteers are always welcome!

AFHK, www.afhk.org.hk

Hong Kong Girl Guides Association (HKGGA)

Girl Guides have been working with girls and young women in Hong Kong for over a century. The hugely varied, girl-led programme embraces everything from current global issues to adventure sports to social action and everything in between. Volunteer leaders work with Happy Bees (four to six years), Brownies (seven to 10 years) and Guides (11 to 15 years) in weekly meetings on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories and the outlying islands. No previous experience is needed to become a volunteer leader — all training is provided.

HKGGA, www.englishspeakingguides-hk.com

FairPlay Learning

Bringing together community, creativity and character education, FairPlay connects international school students with local school students living below the poverty line. With a focus on cultivating social and emotional awareness, FairPlay fosters confidence, empathy and teamwork and is looking for volunteers who echo these values.

Fair Play Learning, www.fairplaylearning.com

Mother’s Choice — Project Bridge

As a well-known baby and children’s charity, Mother’s Choice is looking for volunteers to support as a photographer/videographer, graphic designer, administrative assistant, translator, or child care assistant. There is also a student volunteer programme, encouraging kids to get involved. To make a significant impact on a young life, look into The Project Bridge programme, allowing families to foster a child.

Mother’s Choice, 2313 5678, www.motherschoice.org

Children’s Medical Foundation (CMF)

CMF partners with hospitals to reduce preventable newborn deaths in underserved communities in rural China. An interesting way you can get involved is by using the organisation for your next birthday party; instead of bringing gifts, your guests contribute money online into your gift/charity fund that is then split between CMF and a gift of your choice.

CMF, 2877 4118, www.cmf.org.hk

Support People With Disabilities

SENsational Foundation

SENsational Consultancy enables equal opportunities for people with disabilities. It offers training, conferences, simulation experiences, and social events to promote diversity and inclusion within companies and the community. Volunteers help with diff-ability workshops, mentorships, visits to charitable institutions and events.

SENsational Foundation, www.sensationalhk.org

The Child Development Centre (CDCHK)

This nonprofit provides tailored early intervention for all children with developmental or special educational needs. Regular, committed volunteers are trained to provide classroom support, and other volunteers are welcome on a less frequent basis within their areas of expertise.

CDCHK, 2849 6138, www.cdchk.org

Riding for the Disabled (RDA)

The RDA runs weekly horse riding lessons for disabled children and adults. It operates out of Jockey Club riding schools in Pokfulam and Tuen Mun. Riding experience and knowledge of horses is advised for volunteers, although not essential as training is provided. Riders have a wide range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, visual impairments and Down’s syndrome. Fill in the form on its website to apply for volunteering opportunities.

RDA, 2454 9961, www.rda.org.hk

Love 21 Foundation

Love 21 Foundation is a charity dedicated to bettering the lives of those living with Down syndrome and autism in Hong Kong through physical activity and nutrition. With classes running throughout the week, volunteers can support dance and yoga classes, football, tennis or on one of its trips to Macau.

Love 21 Foundation, www.love21foundation.com

Beyond Vision Projects (BVP)

BVP strives to enhance the quality of life of the visually impaired and elderly with low vision, focusing on social inclusion, social equality, and social participation. Volunteers support people who have visual impairments by ensuring they can experience art and culture, heritage and historical venues.

BVP, 9041 8236, www.beyondvision.asia

Support The Elderly

China Coast Community

This care and attention home caters to English-speaking elderly residents. It welcomes volunteers with relevant skills to share. The home (which is currently under redevelopment) is particularly looking for those who can provide therapy, technical services, music or other stimulating activities for the residents.

China Coast Community, 2337 7266, www.chinacoastcommunity.org

Po Leung Kuk

Though Po Leung Kuk provides social services to families and children, volunteers are also often needed for the Elderly Home. There is a host of options for volunteering, and you can either do it individually or as a corporate group — the more the merrier!

Po Leung Kuk, 2277 8888, www.poleungkuk.org.hk

Support Food Giveaways

Feeding Hong Kong

As the only food bank in Hong Kong dedicated to redistributing surplus food to people in need, Feeding Hong Kong is always looking for extra assistance. You can help the cause by driving to and from food drop-offs, by working as a delivery assistant, or on a more long-term basis as a Community Cooking Class Chef! During the Mid-Autumn Festival season, you can simply drop off your extra mooncakes to one of its many centres and it will be distributed to deserving charities all across Hong Kong.

Feeding Hong Kong, 2205 6568, www.feedinghk.org

Food Angel

This food rescue and food assistance programme aims to alleviate hunger in Hong Kong. Group or individual volunteers can help out at one of the kitchens by preparing meal boxes for underprivileged communities.

Food Angel, 2801 5333, www.foodangel.org.hk

Foodlink Foundation Limited

Foodlink is dedicated to fighting hunger, building self-sufficiency, and fostering nutritional wellness among those in need. It also strives to reduce food waste in hotels and F&B outlets in Hong Kong. Volunteers are needed for everything from photography to coin counting!

Foodlink, 2567 1561, www.foodlinkfoundation.org

ImpactHK

As a Hong Kong-based charity, ImpactHK is dedicated to supporting people living without homes in Hong Kong. Volunteers are invited to help make an impact at the regular events, such as the Kindness Walks in partnership with HandsOn Hong Kong.

ImpactHK, 2448 0011, www.impacthk.org

Read More: Sassy Supports — ImpactHK

People’s Food Bank

The People’s Food Bank works to provide food to people in need on a short-term and weekly basis. Volunteer services include helping with the food drive, fund-raising, re-packing food, translating, researching and more. Children and youth volunteers are welcome.

People’s Food Bank, 2596 2746, www.foodbank.sjs.org.hk

Support The Environment And Green Living

Green Hub

Green Hub provides a centre for sustainable living through the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG). Volunteer opportunities include helping with educational programmes and activities, low-carbon catering, and co-op market gardening.

Green Hub, 2996 2800, www.greenhub.hk

The Conservancy Association

With a mission to safeguard environmental resources by advocating policies, monitoring governments and promoting environmental education, this is one way to take the lead in community participation. Volunteers can help with everything from clerical work and fundraising to hands-on green activities.

The Conservancy Association, 2728 6781, www.cahk.org.hk

Support Women’s Rights

Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (RainLily)

RainLily works to combat sexual violence and promote gender equality education in Hong Kong. You can actively show your support for women’s rights by volunteering for an organisation that provides assistance to victims of sexual violence.

RainLily, 2392 2569, www.rainlily.org.hk

The Women’s Foundation

This nonprofit organisation is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls living in our city. Volunteers help as English instructors, running skills workshops and participating in planned equality events.

The Women’s Foundation, 2592 8265, www.twfhk.org

Harmony House

This nonprofit organisation believes equality and mutual respect are the fundamental principles for a healthy and harmonious family. It’s dedicated to helping victims of violence and promoting healthy relationships within families and our community.

Harmony House, 2342 0072, www.harmonyhousehk.org

Support Domestic Helpers

Uplifters

What started as an idea from working within the online education industry in France, as well as at an NGO offering financial literacy courses to migrant domestic workers in Singapore (Aidha), founder and director Marie Kretz Di Meglio followed her passion to launch Uplifters in early 2018. It’s the only organisation to provide online education to migrant domestic workers and hopes to improve life and vocational skills (life skills courses are free to join!). Uplifters also works towards supporting employers in building healthy relationships with their employees and it’s always looking for volunteers to help either in the classroom or to spread the word!

Uplifters, 9731 9713, www.uplifters-edu.org

Enrich

This Hong Kong charity works to promote the economic empowerment of migrant domestic workers. It strives to give migrant domestic workers the support and tools to invest in themselves, through financial and empowerment education. Bahasa speaking volunteers and mentors (ideally with experience in finance) are currently needed to support.

Enrich, 5981 3754, www.enrichhk.org

HELP for Domestic Helpers (HDH)

HDH provides domestic helpers with free advice and support. Volunteers who can help with grant writing, advocacy translation (especially Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, Malagasy, Cantonese or Mandarin), office administration, fundraising, event management, media, PR or communications are especially helpful.

HDH, 2523 4020, www.helpfordomesticworkers.org

Pathfinders

Pathfinders helps vulnerable migrant children born in Hong Kong. Though many families in Hong Kong are lucky enough to benefit from the work of domestic helpers, some helpers who become pregnant end up in situations that may be harmful to their wellbeing. Volunteers with experience in anything from law to midwifery to general admin are welcome!

Pathfinders, 5500 5486, www.pathfinders.org.hk

Support Ethnic Minorities And Refugees

Splash

Splash conducts swim and water safety courses for under-served communities who may not have the access or means for swim lessons. Volunteers can work around flexible schedules to suit their time commitments and prior coaching experience is not required as Splash provides training.

Splash, www.splashfoundation.org

Be The Change

This nonprofit organisation’s mission is to help ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. Volunteers are invited to help out at events such as Saturday tutorials. The extracurricular activities include everything from learning Putonghua through music to simple arts and crafts.

Be The Change, 3488 2729, www.bethechangehk.org

Christian Action

With a goal to serve people who are disadvantaged, marginalised, displaced or abandoned, Christian Action provides pro-bono legal and psychosocial help. It also offers abused domestic helpers refuge in safe shelters, amongst a range of other services.

Christian Action, 2382 3339, www.christian-action.org.hk

Wilson Global Initiative (WGI)

Did you know that over 700 million people can’t read or write? This international non-profit works to stop illiteracy by educating people around the world through free English classes. The Read and Rice programme is WGI’s flagship initiative in Asia. Volunteers assist with food distributions and teach English classes to refugees at weekends.

WGI, www.wgihq.org

Resolve Foundation

Resolve works to empower future leaders, with a specific focus on supporting ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. The social justice fellowship programme includes rights awareness, community organisation skills and leadership development. Be a part of its vision for an inclusive Hong Kong by volunteering at the office or during the fellowship workshops over the weekends! It is currently looking for committed volunteers to lend a helping hand with digital engagement, admin and finance work.

Resolve Foundation, www.resolvehk.org

Child Welfare Scheme

The Child Welfare Scheme empowers the Nepalese people to change the lives of its most deprived children and women. You can support the cause by volunteering at events, within the office or in Nepal itself.

Child Welfare Scheme, 2526 8810, www.cwshk.org

Overarching Volunteer Platforms

HandsOn Hong Kong

As an affiliate of the international volunteer network, HandsOn Network (HON) helps charities meet their volunteer needs. By pairing individuals who want to give back to the community with meaningful missions, there is plenty that you can participate in. Get started by simply signing up!

HandsOn Hong Kong, 2481 8092, www.handsonhongkong.org

Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS)

Looking to meet like-minded people through your volunteer work? This government-supported non-profit organisation aims to motivate and help individuals and organisations provide quality volunteer service in all sectors of the community. Register as a member and use its referral service to find your best match!

AVS, 2527 3825, www.avs.org.hk

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2017 by Tania Shroff and most recently updated in September 2024 by Veena Raghunath.

If you work for a charity, nonprofit or social enterprise that needs volunteers, please email [email protected] and we’ll do our best to include it in this article.

Main image courtesy of RDNE Stock Project via Pexels, image 1 courtesy of LAP, image 2 courtesy of SPCA, image 3 courtesy of HKDR, image 4 courtesy of Kirsten’s Zoo via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of Animals Asia, image 6 courtesy of Kirsten’s Zoo, image 7 courtesy of Kirsten’s Zoo via Facebook, image 8 courtesy of LumiVoce, image 9 courtesy of Crossroads Foundation via Facebook, image 10 courtesy of Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, image 11 courtesy of Art in Hospital, image 12 courtesy of FairPlay Learning via Instagram, image 13 courtesy of Youth Diabetes Action via Facebook, image 14 courtesy of InspiringHK, image 15 courtesy of The Hub Hong Kong, image 16 courtesy of CSF, image 17 courtesy of The Hong Kong Girl Guides Association via Facebook, image 18 courtesy of Mother’s Choice, image 19 courtesy of SENsational Foundation, image 20 courtesy of RDA, image 21 courtesy of Love 21, image 22 courtesy of BVP, image 23 courtesy of China Coast Community via Facebook, image 24 courtesy of Food Angel via Facebook, image 25 courtesy of Food Angel, image 26 courtesy of ImpactHK, image 27 courtesy of GreenHub, image 28 courtesy of The Conservancy Association, image 29 courtesy of The Women’s Foundation via Facebook, image 30 courtesy of RainLily, image 31 courtesy of Uplifters via Facebook, image 32 courtesy of HELP for Domestic Workers, image 33 courtesy of Pathfinders, image 34 courtesy of Justice Centre Hong Kong via Facebook, image 35 courtesy of Splash, image 36 courtesy of WGI, image 37 courtesy of HandsOn Hong Kong, image 38 courtesy of AVS.

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Where To Volunteer In Hong Kong: Nonprofits, Charities & Social Enterprises