An old uncle has passed away and left you $1,000,000. In his will he stated that you cannot spend the money on yourself or your family – you must use it to benefit others. Which group or cause would you help with the money?

Dear Aunt,

I am sorry to hear the news about Uncle. He was always a kind-hearted person to me. It was not surprising to know that he would like to use his legacy for charitable causes. The following is my plan of how to use his money to benefit others most.

     Nowadays, it is quite common to see street sleepers in Hong Kong. Each time I see them trembling with cold under the flyover, I feel very upset as I don’t have any resources to help them. Now, I am able to help them to get rid of such hardship. I would like to write a detailed plan and set up a social enterprise to help these street sleepers. This social enterprise is a one-stop centre for street sleepers which includes a dormitory and a resource center.

     First, as street sleepers have already lost their homes, I will spend $350,000 to rent and redecorate a dormitory for them. They can live there for free so that they will not be plagued by weather and ridiculed by others anymore. On the other hand, they can also regain the warmth of having a home and life companions. They can support one another like a family throughout their life journeys.

     Second, since street sleepers do not have many opportunities to participate in different activities or to have entertainment, I will use another $350,000 to establish a resource centre near the dormitory. In the center, street sleepers are assured that their daily necessity would be offered and their mental health would also be taken care of. They would have the chance to have leisure activities and team building activities together. For example, they can sing karaoke or play kinesthetic video games. They can also learn to use some of the advanced digital gadgets in order to keep up with the times.

     Third, some of the street sleepers have developed and suffered from unhealthy habits. I will use $100,000 to set up a counseling service. I will hire some social workers to help them to give up gambling, alcohol or even drugs. Therefore, the street sleepers can return to a correct path of their life.

     Fourth, the street sleepers are lack of job opportunities. Hence, I will set up a job training workshop by using the remaining $200,000. After learning some basic interview skills and completing the placement programme in our social enterprise, they will be encouraged and assisted to look for jobs in the job market. This can assure each of them of more career opportunities and allow them to contribute to our society.

     The above suggestions are my plan of using Uncle’s legacy. I hope that I can help the street sleepers to live a better life and pass on Uncle’s loving and selfless spirit. Please consider my suggestions and accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Take care!

Love,
Hailey