HONG KONG — Residents displaced by a devastating level five fire in late November at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court received a significant boost in morale and aid this week, as celebrity figures attended a community banquet just days before the Winter Solstice. The gesture, organized by the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, offered warmth and practical support to families whose homes were destroyed, showcasing a rapid community response supplementing government assistance.
The catastrophic blaze at Wang Fuk Court rendered numerous apartments uninhabitable, leaving families scrambling for emergency accommodation. In the immediate aftermath, the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention (SRCP) repurposed “Goodwill House” (Sin Lau), a local transitional housing facility, to provide urgent shelter and services for the victims.
On December 20, SRCP hosted a large-scale “Poon Choi” (big basin feast) at Goodwill House, gathering residents currently residing there. Confirmed reports indicate the lunch comprised 20 tables, focused on providing a communal, celebratory experience before the traditional Winter Solstice holiday.
discreet star power delivers essential relief
The event gained unexpected attention due to the presence of several prominent Hong Kong actors and personalities. Notably, superstar Louis Koo, alongside Alex Fong, Timmy Hung and his wife Janet Chow, and the couple Louis Cheung and Kay Tse, attended the gathering. Sources close to the residents confirmed the celebrities maintained a low profile, aiming to offer encouragement and emotional support without drawing excessive media fanfare.
“The surprise appearance by Mr. Koo and the others brought a genuine lift to the community,” a resident, who requested anonymity, told reporters. “It showed us that people haven’t forgotten about what we lost, especially around the holidays.”
Koo’s attendance is particularly noteworthy given his demanding schedule. The actor is currently bracing for the highly anticipated release of the film sequel to his hit TV series, A Step into the Past (Lethal Weapon), which is set to premiere on New Year’s Eve. Despite the pressures of pre-release promotion, Koo prioritised supporting the fire victims, marking a continuation of his well-documented philanthropic efforts.
Community integration and long-term recovery
A representative from Goodwill House confirmed that the event was specifically designed for the displaced Wang Fuk Court residents temporarily housed at the facility, highlighting the efforts of various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to facilitate swift recovery and community integration.
This kind of rapid, multi-faceted aid is critical in the wake of large-scale disasters. While government bodies focus on structural repairs and long-term housing solutions, NGOs like SRCP provide immediate psychological support and stable transitional environments. The combined effort, augmented by high-profile celebrity participation, ensures that vital services—ranging from temporary housing to emotional engagement—are successfully delivered.
The successful Poon Choi event demonstrates the powerful synergy between community initiatives and philanthropic influence in mitigating disaster trauma. As families look toward a challenging holiday season, these acts of kindness provide a crucial bridge towards stability and rebuilding their lives following the devastating fire. Further details regarding longer-term housing allocations for the affected families are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
