A prominent environmental charity, Food Angel, brought warmth and community spirit to over 600 former residents of Tai Po yesterday, hosting a large-scale “Warm Gathering Poon Choi Banquet” to offer practical support and companionship to those impacted by displacement. The event, featuring a traditional multi-layered feast, was held across approximately 60 tables and drew a significant turnout of celebrities and community figures who offered entertainment and solidarity.
The gathering served as a highly visible expression of care and reassurance for individuals recently relocated from the Tai Po area, underscoring the organization’s commitment beyond purely environmental initiatives.
Stars Unite to Offer Comfort and Entertainment
The star-studded guest list amplified the evening’s positive energy. Attendees included notable figures such as philanthropist and entrepreneur Shirley Cheung Yu-shan alongside her fiancé, Calvin Lo Kai-yin, television personality Luisa Maria Leitao, actor Hubert Wu, siren Lisa Ch’ng with partner Mat Yeung, along with Fanny Yip, Eva Lai Yin-shan, Daniel Chau, Nick Lam, and veteran host Anderson Junior.
Adding a powerful musical dimension to the night, various contestants from the popular singing competition The Voice of Middle Age, including Li Jia, Chan Tsz-ying, Lexus Lam, Luk Tung-shing, Shem Tsum-yin, and Law Yat-hin, performed throughout the evening. Their collective effort created an atmosphere of positive energy and companionship, turning a necessary relief event into a celebratory night for the local community.
Philanthropic Commitment and Personal Milestones
Shirley Cheung, known for her high-profile business career and philanthropic endeavors, was a central figure at the event. Her presence with fiancé Calvin Lo drew additional media attention, particularly given their recent public announcements regarding their personal lives.
The couple’s shared appearance underscores their alignment in supporting community welfare and charitable causes. In a rare interview last October on Gloria Fong’s web program, Women on Words, Cheung offered insight into her career trajectory and confirmed her engagement to Lo, describing their relationship as harmonious and built on shared values and perspectives. Their participation at the banquet highlights how prominent figures are leveraging their influence to support grassroots efforts during community transitions.
Impact and Future Support
The traditional poon choi feast, a symbol of unity and prosperity in Cantonese culture, perfectly mirrored the event’s underlying objective: to bring people together during challenging times. By providing a warm meal and a platform for inter-community interaction, Food Angel’s initiative went beyond immediate food relief, focusing on the intangible needs of displaced citizens—namely, connection and reassurance.
Organizations like Food Angel often step in to address the logistical and emotional fallout when large-scale developments or displacements occur. This kind of celebrity-backed, high-profile event provides not only immediate material benefit but also validates the community’s experience and ensures their situation remains within the public consciousness, potentially encouraging ongoing support and resource allocation for long-term resettlement efforts in Tai Po. The success of the banquet solidifies the framework for similar events aimed at bolstering community morale across Hong Kong.