4 minute read
Philanthropy by IWA
A message from Alessandra Bettiol, President of IWA
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When I arrived in Hong Kong for the first time, a colleague of my husband, who has been living in this wonderful city for some years with his wife and children, suggested that I contact the Italian Association, since he found it very useful for his wife. She felt supported and involved in many activities, both entertaining and charitable. And so I did! Since then, I have been knowing people I immediately felt a connection with and part of a charity project.
The Italian Women’s Association gathers women in Hong Kong, to share together recreational and cultural activities for charity purposes. Members register each year and pay an annual membership, which is entirely donated to charity. On top of that, they offer their free time and help to support initiatives.
The Association is formed by a committee which is annually elected by the members, including a President, Vice- Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary and Councillors. To be part of the committee, members are asked to bring their skills and experience to contribute to the final purpose of the Association.
Family hiking
After my first year as secretary, I covered the role of president for the next two. Those two years turned out to be very challenging, due to the protests first and the pandemic afterwards. In this tough time, IWA showed its team spirit and strength, always looking for possible solutions in line with the rules in force. During these last two years, financial support has been provided to different charities such as refugees without a shelter, mothers and children struggling, women victims of domestic violence and much more.
Money has been raised through regular monthly activities, like hiking and online classes, such as cooking and yoga. In addition, IWA was also able to celebrate some of its regular annual events, like International Women’s Day on March 8th, the Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th and its key event, “Il Mercatino di IWA”. In its last edition, the charity Market was held in November, instead of the first weekend of December, in a different location but with the same charitable spirit and philanthropic mood.
Part of the new committee, elected on the 23-5-2022
I take the chance, at the end of these last two years as president, to thank the “Angels” behind IWA. First of all, the Italian and local companies, whose donations and resources have always been valuable to the Association. A special thanks to the local and Italian Institutions, particularly the Italian Consulate, in the person of Clemente Contestabile, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong. Last but not least, thanks to the Italian Chamber of Commerce, who recognized IWA in 2021 with the title of Honorary Member of the Chamber.
I am confident all these collaborations with different Italian Institutions in Hong Kong will contribute more to the success of IWA’s charity mission and objectives.
I personally believe in this Association, and in the people who belong to it. Together we can bring strength and value to all the charities IWA supports, not only financially, but also by giving them greater local exposure.
Online yoga
On May 23rd, the Annual General Assembly of the Italian Women’s Association took place. For the third consecutive year, I have decided to complete my mandate as president, with the same grit and passion as the previous two.
Thanks to the precious work of my committee and all the members of IWA, always available to help and commit, I wish to consolidate what has been achieved in the past year and reach new heights.
As a final note, I hope for this coming year in more freedom of action, to give voice to all the members who make the Italian Women’s Association in Hong Kong so special.
Thanks,
Alessandra President of IWA
Event in presence
Online aperitivo
