"Let's start!" After the blare, backed by music from the Wan Hon Elderly Band, a thousand people started their first step on behalf of HKCS, and that marked a historical moment for all of us at the agency.

The day was 28 March, our first fund raising walkathon. The event aimed to raise money for service development, especially for pilot projects responding to the needs of society. With the enthusiastic support from our staff, their relatives and friends, those we serve through our services and the advocates for what we do at HKCS, the result on that day was a remarkable success.

To start off the event, our Chief Executive, Mr. Ng Shui Lai, Chairperson of the Management Committee, Rev. Li Ping Kwong, the service target representatives from 4 frontline core businesses, and representatives from two of our affiliated associations fired powder horns to officiate the ceremony. Families, the elderly members and the handicapped all grouped as teams with their team name board held up high. The walkathon route began at the Shatin Central Park Open Theatre, across the Sha Yin Bridge and Lek Yuen Bridge and back to the Open Theatre as the finishing point. It was expected for one to take a good 30 to 45 minutes to complete the whole journey.

The Walkathon was more than a fundraising activity; it was a meaningful opportunity for everyone at HKCS to exercise and to demonstrate solidarity and team spirit. After what we have experienced in March, we eagerly await an even more stirring walkathon next year and the years to come!