Caring Community Network for Singleton Elders
Happy Grannies Elderly Sponsorship Action was born at
the SVhk Social Innovation Awards 2009, where it won the “Elderly” innovation category
with a simple yet creative solution for singleton, deprived elderly. Through an engaged
sponsorship program, Happy Grannies brings both financial and emotional support to
elderly in need.
Social Problem
Hong Kong faces a rapidly growing problem of an ageing population. There are over
100,000 singleton and 'hidden' elders in Hong Kong who live unattended, invisible
and alone. These deprived singleton elderly face the loss of their life partners,
illiteracy, lack of family interaction, and low financial subsidies from the government.
30% of the suicides in Hong Kong are from the elderly population, with depression as
the major cause.
The Solution
Inclusive Sponsorship Program
Happy Grannies offers flexible programs that fit to individual's needs and availability.
Participants can choose financial sponsorship, direct engagement or both,
nsuring a balance of support to the elderly.
Strategic Partnerships for the Elderly
Happy Grannies brings together renowned organizations from all sectors, such as
the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association, Disnelyland Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Federation
of Youth Groups and Caritas Hong Kong (Services for the Elderly), to deliver a new model
for providing creative elderly services.
Social Impact
Financial and Emotional Support for Lonely Elderly
Since the program started at the end of 2009, 44 elderly have benefited from the Happy
Grannies program. The elderly enjoy both financial and emotional support through regular
visits and phone calls.
I feel a deeper bond has been built up with the volunteers; I start to miss them. They are also very
thoughtful, bring me daily necessities and even made a 'life memories' scrapbook for me. I was
very touched.
– Madam Wong, singleton elderly of Happy Grannies
Bridging Corporations and Community
Local companies, such as Disneyland Hong Kong and Ngong Ping 360, have joined the corporate
sponsorship program, with staff and volunteers sponsoring and regularly visiting the elderly.
Developing Youth Respect Towards Elderly
Through the experience of interacting with the elderly, many youth and students develop a
newfound respect for the older generation and their grandparents. The program also aroused
public awareness on the problem of singleton elders.
Statistics
$75,600 of total sponsorship in 2010
150 committed volunteers
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SVhk Engagement
- Founding partner organization
- Nurturing since idea stage
- Mentoring on social entrepreneurship
- Networking with partners, e.g. Caritas, SCHSA, Disneyland Hong Kong and schools
- Professional Support: legal, finance, branding, marketing, operations
Meet the Social Entrepreneur
Happy Grannies was born when Sindy entered the SVhk Social Innovation Award in 2008 with a
strong passion for supporting the elderly. Sindy asked: "If we can sponsor children in Africa,
why can't we sponsor our elderly at home?" Since then, Sindy has been juggling a busy schedule
between her own business and taking Happy Grannies from idea to reality.
"I hope as many people can participate in Happy Grannies as possible. Only this way can our
service scope continue to expand. In the coming year, I hope to grow our volunteer base from
around 100 to over 400, and serve over 100 elderly."
Learn more about Happy Grannies: www.happygrannies.org.hk
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Mr. Timothy Ma
Execuitve Director, Senior Citizen Home Safety Assocation
Director of Social Development, SVhk
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Ms. Doris Leung
Executive Director, SVhk
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