President’s Annual Report (RY 2024-25)

Rotary Club of Admiralty

Immediate Past President Dr. Heston Kwong

1. Introduction

As the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Admiralty, it has been an honor to lead a team united by Rotary’s core values of service, fellowship, leadership, and integrity. This past year, our work was rooted in a simple yet purposeful vision: to leverage collective expertise—particularly in public health and IT—and translate it into tangible, community-centered action. Every project, event, and initiative was designed to not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term resilience, aligning closely with Rotary’s global mission to “create lasting change” in the communities we serve.

Our efforts were guided by two overarching objectives, as shared during the District Governor’s visit on 12 August 2024: first, to advance community health through targeted district grant projects, specifically focusing on diabetic foot prevention and medical escort services; second, to strengthen our club’s foundation by prioritizing member engagement—through assessing individual needs through members opinion survey, enhancing communication channels, and ensuring board decisions remained transparent and accountable. These goals formed the backbone of our work, ensuring both impactful service and a vibrant, connected club.

2. Key Activities & Achievements

Community Service Projects

• Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme: A cornerstone initiative aligned with our community health goals, this program involved 16 visits to 8 District Health Centres throughout the year. Trained volunteers and healthcare partners conducted foot assessments and delivered foot care education sessions tailored to diabetic patients, directly benefiting 635 individuals. These sessions aimed to prevent complications and improve long-term foot health among the diabetic community. Notably, during a visit by PP Little Geoffrey of the Rotary Club of Sydney, he joined our team for a foot assessment session at Kwai Tsing District Health Centre, deepening cross-club collaboration.

• Christmas Visit to St. Mary Little Sisters’ Home for the Elderly: In 22 December 2024, club members visited this elderly care home to spread holiday cheer. Activities included donating food supplies, sharing lunch with residents, and engaging in informal interactions. This event not only provided practical support but also fostered connection with a vulnerable group.

• Area 2 Joint Dinner Meeting on Mental Health: Aligned with a broader focus on holistic community health, the club organized a joint dinner meeting on 21 February 2025 with Area 2 Rotary clubs, featuring a keynote address by Mr Wong Yan Lung GBM, SC, founding Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health. The event raised awareness about mental health challenges and laid groundwork for potential future collaborations.

Fundraising Events

• 35th Anniversary Dinner (May 2024): This flagship fundraising event raised approximately HK$40,000. In line with our commitment to collaborative service, the funds were allocated to support meaningful activities led by other Rotary clubs, strengthening inter-club partnerships and expanding our collective impact.

Sponsorships & Donations (2024–25):

Our club actively supported the following Rotary and community initiatives:

1. Donation to Mandalay Earthquake Relief
2. Donation to Polio Plus Fund 2024 (End Polio Walk)
3. Sponsorship for HK Outstanding Student Service Ambassador Award
4. Sponsorship for RC Smart HK Elderly eSport Tournament & Experience Day (18 Aug 2024)
5. Sponsorship for RC HK Movie Private Screening (“Inside Out 2”) (4 Aug 2024)
6. Sponsorship for RC Abacus HK 3rd Youth Expo & Singing Competition (26 Oct 2024)
7. Sponsorship for RC Abacus HK Inter-School Table Tennis Championship
8. Sponsorship for International Youth Tech Olympics 2024 (7 Sept 2024)
9. Sponsorship for Final Pledge – Seed of Love (THE ONE HK)
10. Sponsorship for Benji’s Centre Football Team
11. Gold Sponsorship for Rotary District 3450 Blood & Organ Donation Day 2025
12. Gold Sponsorship for Carnival “Everyone is Beautiful” 2024
13. Sponsorship for St. Mary’s Home for the Aged Christmas Luncheon
14. Sponsorship for RC Abacus HK Youth Basketball Tournament & Inclusion Project (22 Feb 2025)
15. Sponsorship for RC HKNETEA Greater Bay Area STEAM Excellence Award 2025

These 15 contributions, totaling HK$97,960, reflected our club’s dedication to advancing Rotary’s mission through targeted partnerships and community-driven projects.

Fellowship Activities

Fellowship remained a cornerstone of our club’s spirit, with monthly dinners fostering connection and camaraderie among members. Standout events included:

• A hairy crab dinner on 30 October 2024, where members enjoyed seasonal cuisine while sharing updates on ongoing projects.

• A festive Christmas party on 18 December 2024 and Spring Dinner on 26 February 2025, blending holiday celebrations with reflections on the year’s achievements, enhancing team cohesion.

• A Lei Yu Mun seafood dinner on 30 April 2025, which offered a relaxed setting for informal discussions and strengthened bonds through shared experiences. These gatherings not only boosted member engagement but also ensured a supportive environment for collaborative planning.

3. Major Initiatives & Projects

Public Health-Focused Initiatives

Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme

◦ Objectives: To prevent foot ulcers and complications among diabetic patients through assessments, education, and custom foot orthoses; to raise awareness via digital platforms.

◦ Partners: District Health Centres, local healthcare associations, corporate donors, other Rotary clubs, and government health agencies.

◦ Implementation Steps: Conducted needs assessments and stakeholder discussions; secured $175,690 in funding (including a $52,190 district grant); organized 16 visits to 8 District Health Centres (with a notable session at Kwai Tsing District Health Centre joined by PP Little Geoffrey of the Rotary Club of Sydney); produced a foot care educational video and launched dedicated online channels (website, Facebook, YouTube).

◦ Outcomes: Screened 635 diabetic patients; prescribed 275 pairs of foot orthoses to reduce ulcer risk; recognized as Champion in the District 3450 Impact Maker Competition, First Runner-Up in the District Services Awards, and recipient of the District Silver Award.

Medical Escort Initiative (Sham Shui Po)

◦ Objectives: To support elderly or mobility-impaired residents with transportation to medical appointments.

◦ Status: Needs assessments and stakeholder discussions were conducted, but the project did not proceed beyond planning, with focus directed to scaling the Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme due to resource alignment.

Say No To Drug – Path Builder for Youth Project

The “Say No To Drugs – Path Builder for Youth Project” led by PP Albert Law, has achieved a significant milestone by securing recognition and endorsement from the United Nations General Protocol (UNGP) for its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A cornerstone of this initiative is the Mentorship Programme, which plays a transformative role in helping ex-drug abusers reintegrate into society. By pairing participants with trained mentors who provide personalized guidance, emotional support, and structured follow-up, the programme empowers them to rebuild confidence, set meaningful life goals, and pursue sustainable career paths. This targeted approach not only aids in recovery but also fosters long-term resilience, reducing relapse rates and promoting social inclusion. The UNGP endorsement underscores the project’s success in advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), reaffirming its impact in creating a brighter, drug-free future for youth.

This achievement reflects our commitment to evidence-based, compassionate intervention—and we invite continued collaboration to expand this life-changing initiative.

International Collaboration: Twin Club Partnership

During my two-month visit to Sydney, efforts to strengthen ties with the Rotary Club of Sydney bore fruit, culminating in a formal agreement to establish a “Twin Club” relationship. This partnership was solidified when PP Little Geoffrey of the Rotary Club of Sydney visited Hong Kong, where he joined our club activities—including participating in a foot assessment session at Kwai Tsing District Health Centre. This collaboration not only enhances cross-border knowledge sharing but also lays the groundwork for future joint service projects, aligning with Rotary’s global network of service.

IT-Driven Components Supporting Public Health Efforts

While no standalone IT community projects were launched, digital tools amplified our reach:

• Purpose: To enhance accessibility of diabetic foot care education beyond in-person sessions.

• Tools & Resources: A short educational video (filmed by IPP Heston Kwong, his son, and P SK To), plus dedicated Facebook, YouTube, and website channels.

• Impact: Extended education to audiences beyond the 635 screened patients; the video became a key on-site resource, and social media channels facilitated ongoing engagement.

Project Management Highlights

The Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme’s success stemmed from strategic practices:

• Stakeholder Coordination: Early alignment with health centers and reputable partners reduced duplication and improved referrals.

• Resource Optimization: Zero administrative costs ensured 100% of funds supported patient care, using volunteer manpower and in-kind donations.

• Risk Mitigation: Diversified funding and pre-launch stakeholder buy-in addressed potential gaps.

• Digital Integration: Online platforms extended reach and sustained awareness.

• Outcome Tracking: Rigorous data collection demonstrated impact, aiding recognition and future funding.

4. Challenges & Lessons Learned

A key challenge was strengthening fraternity within the club. Early focus on project execution limited fellowship beyond monthly dinners, prompting strategic adjustments:

•Enhanced Communication: Revamped WhatsApp for targeted updates and real-time voting, boosting board efficiency.

• Inclusive Information Sharing: Used Evernote links for weekly announcements, ensuring members unable to attend meetings stayed informed.

• Engagement Tools: Issued two newsletters and conducted a membership survey (results to be published with this report).

• Digital Presence: Launched a trial website, now live at ROTARYADMIRALTY.hk, as a centralized hub for updates.

• Buddy System: Introduced mentorship for new members, with existing members guiding integration into club activities.

Lesson Learned: Balancing project execution with intentional relationship-building—supported by efficient tools—is critical for a vibrant, engaged club.

5. Recognition & Appreciation

The year’s success relied on exceptional contributions from:

• P SK To: Led foot assessments across 4+ District Health Centres, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and deputized during my two-month absence in Sydney—pivotal to the Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme’s success.

• Rtn Iris Woo and PP Ricky: Drove club and district blood donation activities, reinforcing our role in community health.

• PDG Keith: Guided the Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme’s design and district grant application, shaping its alignment with district priorities.

• PP Little Geoffrey of Rotary Club of Sydney: For their partnership in establishing our Twin Club relationship and active participation in our community initiatives.

External Recognition: Alongside the Impact Maker and District Services Awards, our club earned the District Silver Award—testaments to our collective dedication.

6. Conclusion & Future Outlook

This year, the Rotary Club of Admiralty advanced community health and club cohesion with purpose. The Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme directly improved care for 635 patients, while digital outreach extended education broadly. Our new Twin Club partnership with the Rotary Club of Sydney expands our global impact, and efforts to strengthen member engagement—through fellowship, communication tools, and a buddy system—have fortified our foundation.

To the incoming board: Build on this momentum by expanding the Diabetic Foot Community Care Programme (e.g., integrating telehealth), nurturing the Twin Club relationship with collaborative projects, acting on membership survey insights to deepen fellowship, and preserving transparency in resource use. Celebrate all achievements, big and small, to sustain motivation.

Our strength lies in unity—nurture it, and we will continue to create lasting change. Thank you for a remarkable year of service.