Philanthropy by IWA

THE ITALIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Promoting Charitable Giving Since 1996

Since 1996, the Italian Women’s Association (IWA) has been registered as a non-profit organization, committed to the mission of charitable giving. The Association endeavours to organize events and raise funds to help those in need, while connecting Italian women and those interested in the Italian language and culture and creating a sense of camaraderie.

Thanks to the voluntary work and the dedication of its board members and of its volunteers, IWA can devote 100% of its profits to charities in Hong Kong, Macao and beyond, to enable them to continue to support the underprivileged people.

The Association organizes activities such as social gatherings and cultural events, playgroups for children, walks, lectures and classes on different topics ranging from culture to nutrition, cooking, embroidering and yoga. These activities appeal to IWA members and friends of different nationalities, not only for their variety but also because they

allow people to channel their financial contribution into positive social impact. If there is one thing that IWA is proud of is its mission in redistributing its proceeds to those in need. All this while building a community.

The Humble Beginning

In 1983, a group of Italian women decided to embrace the cause of a couple who, following the tragic loss of their son, committed to supporting The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital and its doctors, whose great professionalism and determination saw through the attempt to save the boy’s life.

This is how the idea of a fundraising event aimed at supporting the growth and development of the only paediatric hospital in Hong Kong at that time – specialised in the treatment of orthopaedic and neuro-degenerative diseases – took shape. It came from a group of women: the core of what will eventually become ‘The Italian Women’s Association’.

Over the years, IWA’s contribution went beyond the purchasing of medical

equipment. The Association also assisted with the restructuring of departments and provided funds to sponsor renowned specialists coming from around the world to lend their expertise in dealing with more difficult medical conditions. In particular, special support was given to children coming from disadvantaged families.

In order to succeed in its fundraising activities, the Italian Women’s Association has always been very close to people and their specific needs. In addition to donations, it also established a Charity Market, with the sponsorship of many Italian companies, which offered very high-quality goods.

How You Can Support IWA

Anyone is welcome to join IWA: as a member, as a donor, or taking part in its events. IWA also constantly looks out for new proposals, from individuals and companies, to continue to organize exciting and engaging activities for the community. The more, the merrier, and more contributions will help our fundraising mission because every little bit helps.

Il Mercatino di IWA: A Market Day of Fun and Charitable Impact

As the “mercato” (market) is central to everyday life in traditional Italian culture, so is the IWA’s annual charity market, which – in the past 37 years – has been known as “The Italian Day at Sandy Bay”, taking place on the first Saturday of December. The success of this event was due to the quality of the products available for purchase, donated mostly by Italian companies, and to the hard work of the volunteers. A wide number of visitors attended the market, attracted not only by the Italian-style goods and delicious food on offer, but also by the friendly and festive atmosphere, and the opportunity to support IWA’s good causes.

The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital is now under the management of the Hospital Authority, a governmental body. However, help is still needed. Today, thanks to the money raised through IWA’s charity markets, the Association continues to assist the needy children and their families, while also extending its reach to a considerable number of other charities registered in Hong Kong, in support of women, children, elderly, domestic helpers and refugees. Beneficiaries

include but are not limited to: Branches of Hope, Christian Action, Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, Home Care for Girls, Missionaries of Charity (Sisters of Mother Teresa), Missione Possibile, Mother’s Choice, Operation Santa Claus, Pathfinders, RainLily, St. Barnabas’ Society and Home, and The Society for the Relief of Disabled Children.

Changing Location But Not Purpose

For the past 36 years, the Charity Markets have been traditionally held in the premises of the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, Sandy Bay Road, Pokfulam. In 2020, due to the COVID-19

pandemics, the event was cancelled. In 2021, with many restrictions on public gatherings still in place, IWA relocated the charity market to PMQ, the Police Married Quarters, now a hip arts-anddesign hub in Central.

IWA and its supporters are enormously grateful to PMQ for hosting the event. A special acknowledgement also goes to Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong, Sino Land Company Limited, Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, the Ferrari Group, Gustaci, and Innotier, for their wholehearted support.

Despite the change of location, this year’s “Il Mercatino di IWA”, which was held on Sunday 14th of November, was nonetheless very successful and committed in its mission to support local charities and help the less privileged in Hong Kong. A beautiful sunny day, attractive products, generous sponsors, resourceful volunteers, and a large turnout of visitors contributed to raising nearly HK$800,000.

IWA and the charities that will receive these funds were overwhelmed with gratitude. Il Mercatino was back and well attended by its community and aficionados and new visitors, in a celebration of goodwill, solidarity, and friendship.

IWA accepted with great gratitude the honorary membership offered by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao. It will definitively help IWA to establish a collaborative relationship with the Chamber. Together we will be even stronger and able to help Hong Kong’s community, the city where we live in and that we all love, ever more!

For more information on the Italian Women’s Association, visit IWA website www.iwa.org.hk and social media, or write to secretary@iwa.org.hk