A few incentives for you should you need them:
First, 100% of the funds raised up to 30,000 HKD will be matched - meaning if we raise 30,000 HKD that means 60,000 HKD to be divvy'ed up between these groups.
Second, everyone who enters will be entered into a lucky draw — prizes to be announced over the coming month!
Last but not least, for anyone who donates, you are cordially invited to my virtual Mental Health Birthday Bash on 23 December at 9:00am HKT / 22 December 8:00pm EDT. What I’m envisioning for the hour together (that is definitely not a webinar):
HKD 30,000 14/01/2021
HKD 1,250 07/01/2021
HKD 100 07/01/2021
HKD 160 01/01/2021
Happy birthday Erica! Love how much you have done to bring awareness to mental health, can’t believe we are 3 0 this year!! Look forward to seeing you when the pandemic gets better. - Merrill & Alex
USD 25 28/12/2020
HKD 200 23/12/2020
Happy birthday Erica! So proud of you and the work that you're doing!
USD 10 23/12/2020
Happy 30th birthday, Erica!!! Sending love—always so wonderful to see you thriving, and inspired by your honesty when you feel like you're not xoxo
USD 25 23/12/2020
Happy Birthday Erica! Always admire you for finding ways to give back to your communities <3
USD 25 23/12/2020
USD 50 23/12/2020
Happy 30th! Can't wait to see what you accomplish this decade. Proud of you for supporting such wonderful, important causes.
HKD 500 23/12/2020
Happy birthday lovely Erica. Your light serves the world so much more than you realise. Have a wonderful time in the next amazing decade - welcome ;)!
HKD 300 23/12/2020
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! So proud of you for sharing your story you’re an inspiration!
USD 25 22/12/2020
Happy birthday, Erica! You continue to be a bright light in this world. Grateful to know you! <3
HKD 800 22/12/2020
USD 50 22/12/2020
Mind HK: Through public campaigns, resources, and events, Mind HK seeks to improve awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong. They are currently running a pro bono COVID Mental Health Relief Scheme to help provide free of charge sessions to those in need. While I mark the early days of 2019 as when I started my mental health advocacy work in Hong Kong, Mind HK first came into my life more formally in April 2019 when Darryl and I created a mock anti-stigma campaign for them which won us the Hong Kong Cannes Young Lions Competition. One year later, I’ve had the honor of becoming a Mind HK Ambassador share my own story as part of their anti-stigma program, with the goal of helping combat misunderstandings around mental health by sharing my own mental health journey with others.
The Mo Fund: The Mo Fund’s goal is to increase access to mental health related services for those undergoing cancer treatment and primary carer(s) who would not be able to access this professional support due to socioeconomic limitations. According to The Mo Fund, “the majority of individuals in Hong Kong have access to a hospital-based social worker or psychology provider on a 12-24 month basis, with ‘high priority’ patients in ‘end of life’ situations only having that shortened to every 2-6 months, which is not nearly enough to support their needs.” With Grandpa Gene’s passing from pancreatic cancer in July and Grandma Pat’s diagnosis of lung cancer in November, I have gotten to see two more people who I love most to cope with this disease both physically and emotionally, as well as its impact on the mental health of my parents and family as caregivers. This new fund, focused on impact through community and connection, was created by my physio and dear friend Kieran Rogers. I am forever grateful for the care and compassion Kieran has given me the last 2.5 years since we first met after I tore my Achilles, and proud to help him give back to the community we both call home for a cause that means so much to both of us.
