A dedicated team from a major Hong Kong broadcaster united yesterday for a significant charitable endeavor, participating in the “Love, Joy, Walk” Charity Walk and Fun Fair hosted by the Suicide Prevention Services (SPS) organization in Ma Wan. Led by captain Pearlie Yip Man-Fai, the cohort of Metropolitan Broadcast Corporation (MBC) hosts and staff, including actors and presenters Fan Chun-Fung and Master Joe Yau Long-Wai, demonstrated a commitment to community service and raising awareness around vital mental health support. The initiative underscored the intense need for accessible emotional aid in the face of escalating societal pressures.
The MBC volunteer corps displayed strong collegiality as they navigated the charity event. Fan Chun-Fung was notably accompanied by his wife, actress Bobo Li Sze-Wan, turning the philanthropic effort into a shared couple’s activity. The participation highlights how major media personalities are leveraging their visibility to promote crucial non-profit organizations focused on preventing suicide and emotional distress.
Encouraging Public Service Amid Busy Schedules
Pearlie Yip, the team captain, expressed immense pride in his colleagues’ consistent dedication. “Even with demanding schedules, our staff eagerly set aside time to participate,” Yip shared, noting that the enthusiasm treats the outing like a joyous group activity. “I deeply appreciate the heartfelt commitment of every volunteer colleague.”
Beyond direct participation, Yip used the platform to extend a crucial public appeal. He urged the community to proactively check in on friends or family members experiencing emotional difficulty. For those in urgent need, he emphasized the critical resource provided by SPS’s hotline, urging people to seek professional assistance without hesitation.
Coping Strategies for Modern Stress
The hosts offered personal and helpful insights into managing high personal or professional stress—a pervasive issue in fast-paced urban environments like Hong Kong.
Yip detailed his own coping mechanisms, which include nature immersion (looking at the sea) and listening to music. He also revealed the therapeutic value of both confiding in close friends and, occasionally, seeking anonymity for sensitive issues.
“Sometimes I prefer not to burden those closest to me,” Yip explained. “In those instances, speaking to a stranger can provide release. This is similar to the life-saving work of the hotline—when listeners call in to share their struggles, they gain a chance to vent, be heard, and receive expert, professional advice. No problem is truly insurmountable when you have proper support.”
Fan Chun-Fung reinforced the notion that silence in the face of distress is dangerous in today’s high-pressure society. He cautioned against social withdrawal, advising: “If you notice a friend suddenly reducing contact, take the initiative to reach out and ask how they are doing.”
Bobo Li offered related advice on emotional regulation:
- Acknowledge the Pressure: When feeling overwhelmed, speak to a friend or simply pause and recalibrate.
- Prevent Spiraling: Avoid diving deeper into negative thoughts. A simple break can often lead to a viable solution.
Navigating Interpersonal Conflict
The couple also opened up about managing friction in their own marriage, providing relatable advice for readers on relationship resilience. Li Sze-Wan admitted that in the past, her approach might have been too “pushy,” which she found was detrimental to their relationship. “Now, I stop and wait for a moment for us both to cool down, and the relationship has actually improved,” she said.
Fan Chun-Fung added an actionable tip, particularly relevant in Hong Kong’s congested environment: “In small living spaces, if tensions are high and anger hasn’t dissipated, sometimes it’s best to step outside for a breath. Allowing emotions to settle before continuing a discussion is vital.”
The consistent commitment of high-profile media figures to groups like Suicide Prevention Services serves as a powerful reminder that mental health concerns affect everyone, regardless of status. Their efforts provide visibility and crucial financial support, helping SPS to sustain its around-the-clock professional listening and intervention services that save lives daily.
