HONG KONG – A devastating fire in the Tai Po district last month, which tragically claimed 161 lives, has prompted a surge of community support, notably involving local celebrities. Amid the recovery, a resident of Wang Hing Court, who lost her home and pets, unexpectedly received an immense gesture of goodwill from Cantopop idol Frankie Chan (Pipi) of the band MIRROR, transforming her immediate hardship into a moment of profound personal connection and relief.
The tragedy, which struck the complex, left scores displaced, requiring urgent aid and transitional housing support. Several high-profile figures turned out to help collect and deliver essential supplies. Frankie Chan was among those offering practical assistance, actively disseminating useful information on social media and personally delivering resources to the affected area.
Resilience Amid Displacement
A known fan of Chan, nicknamed a “Pipibao,” who lived in the high-rise Wang Cheong Court block, recounted her experiences on social media platform Threads yesterday (December 22). Fortunately unharmed as she was at work when the blaze erupted, she described returning home to a nightmare, mournfully confirming the loss of her two pet tortoises.
For weeks following the disaster, the fan was preoccupied with logistical survival—navigating applications for subsidies, securing temporary housing, and constantly searching for basic necessities. She shared the hardship of relying on just one or two outfits, cobbled together from the clothes she wore on the day of the fire and limited items sourced from aid stations.
Adding an emotional layer to her plight, the fan revealed that just before the fire, on November 25, she had collected a batch of unworn apparel from Chan’s personal clothing brand. She had set these aside, anticipating a fresh start in the new year, only to lose access to them as the disaster rendered her home uninhabitable.
Idol Provides Unexpected Relief
Deeply moved by Chan’s immediate assistance efforts on the ground, the fan sent a message of gratitude to him via a private fan community chat (Telegram). The communication took an unexpected turn when she received a direct message from the star.
“How are you doing?” the message inquired. “Everything will get better. The weather is getting cold; do you have enough winter clothes? Tell me your size, black or white, and I will mail you some new stock.”
What followed was an overwhelming delivery. The fan received an entire box of new winter essentials, meticulously curated to provide warmth and comfort. The shipment included:
- Warmth and Apparel: Beanie hats, scarves, socks, and a full set of clothing.
- Practical Necessities: A thermos flask and an umbrella.
- Holiday Cheer: Even a small Christmas tree, ensuring she could still celebrate the season.
“I was worried about not having enough to wear this winter,” she wrote in her emotional post. “But when I opened the box, I was flooded by the love from Pipi and the ‘Fan Fei Gei Team’ [the brand’s staff]. Every piece was chosen carefully for colour and style, and I love them all.”
The fan lauded Chan’s character, noting, “You are immensely charming on stage, but your genuine care for your fans off-stage is equally profound. Every time I wear these items, I will be reminded of how well you looked after me today. I hope to thank you in person next time.”
This heartwarming exchange underscores how local aid extends beyond institutional relief. It highlights the profound impact simple human kindness, especially from public figures, can have on individuals recovering from catastrophic loss, offering emotional support and tangible comfort during the difficult months of rebuilding.
