As Hong Kong witnesses record levels of social isolation, HandsOn is issuing a city-wide call to reconnect. With nearly 1 in 7 residents experiencing a mental health challenge—a crisis intensified by an era where AI and chatbots increasingly substitute for genuine interaction—the city has reached an urgent need for community. Transitioning from “screen time” to “human time” is no longer just a choice, but a necessity for our collective wellbeing and emotional resilience.
In response to this, HandsOn is proud to invite the public to the 10th anniversary of Serve-a-thon, running from May 10–24, 2026. Supported by Lead Partner Cathay, this city-wide event encourages people of all generations to step outside their “digital lives” and reconnect with their community by providing vital, hands-on support to the frontline charities that serve as Hong Kong’s social backbone.
In its ten years, Serve-a-thon has supported over 144,000 individuals and inspired thousands of volunteers to take their first step into volunteering. For HandsOn Executive Director, Catherine Tong, this 10-year milestone represents a renewed mission to engage the next generation.
“For a decade, we have mobilized volunteers to support Hong Kong’s most vulnerable. And this year, the call to action is also for the volunteers themselves, says Catherine. “With hundreds of service opportunities city-wide, we are providing the easiest way for people to move beyond their screens, reclaim their sense of purpose and be present in their community.”
How to Get Involved: May 10–24, 2026
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Serve-a-thon 2026 is expanding to a special two-week edition. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join. During the two-week event, volunteers can choose from hundreds of activities, ranging from food preparation and elderly care to environmental conservation and youth mentoring.
For more information and to sign up, please visit handsonhongkong.org