Eli Care: Transforming Healthcare through Art and Community Spirit in Hong Kong

In a remarkable fusion of healthcare and creativity, Eli Care has emerged as a groundbreaking volunteer organization in Hong Kong, dedicated to enhancing both mental and physical well-being through unique initiatives that blend Western and traditional Chinese medicine with the arts. Founded in 2017 by traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Lam Kar-yeung and clinical counsellor Jennifer Wong Ming-wai, Eli Care is striving to make a significant impact in communities both locally and abroad.

When medical volunteers found that traditional consultations and counseling were not achieving the desired effect, they pivoted towards a more holistic approach. "We made a small change, shifting from just medicine to incorporating the arts. We wanted to focus on both physical and mental well-being," explained Lam.

Eli Care has recently garnered attention by being shortlisted for this year's prestigious Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the teamwork category. This annual event, organized by the South China Morning Post and the Sino Group, honors outstanding individuals and organizations whose positive contributions to society may often go unrecognized.

Beyond offering free medical consultations that include health check-ups and medication advice, Eli Care creates engaging activities such as photography sessions and arts and crafts workshops. These initiatives are designed to address the psychological and physical needs of their beneficiaries. Since the beginning of 2023 alone, Eli Care has participated in over 100 volunteer projects, working in close collaboration with social enterprises, charities, schools, businesses, and government bodies to foster solidarity within the community.

Their scope of assistance isn't limited to healthcare; the organization also distributes meals, mooncakes, and essential items while organizing social banquets and excursions for underprivileged individuals, positively affecting thousands. Eli Care's activities range from craft workshops to wellness retreats and even cooking classes for parents and children.

"The events not only provide a stress-relieving experience but also promote community integration and mental wellness," said Lam, emphasizing the dual purpose of their efforts.

Eli Care is also committed to environmental stewardship. They regularly collect surplus resources for donation and actively participate in beach clean-ups and recycling projects. This multifaceted approach shows their dedication to not only improving lives but also protecting the planet.

The organization’s strength lies in its diverse volunteer team, which includes healthcare professionals, speech therapists, and social workers, alongside individuals with visual impairments and children with special educational needs (SEN). Lam shared, "We've also trained older volunteers who, despite being retired, are full of energy and eager to help others."

In addition to direct community service, Eli Care empowers other organizations by assisting them in volunteer training. Through these efforts, they aim to uplift individuals while encouraging them to contribute positively to their communities.

Furthermore, Eli Care is actively involved in promoting empathy and compassion among young people through life education programs that share personal stories and volunteer experiences. Reflecting on the organization’s mission, Lam stated, "We want to unite the efforts of the community. It’s not solely about fundraising; it’s about harnessing the community’s collective strength."

In recognition of their transformative approach, Lam has also been nominated as a finalist for the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards 2024 in the culture category, highlighting the organization's significant contributions to not just healthcare, but also to cultural enrichment and community solidarity in Hong Kong.

As Eli Care continues to inspire and mobilize, their story serves as a powerful reminder of how creativity and compassion can reshape lives and strengthen communities.