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*Reminder: to my U.S. friends, dollars are marked in CAD, so if you donate $50 USD, it will automatically translate to $69 CAD. Apologies to those who generously donated 50 USD before I could put this out!
On November 26, 2025, a catastrophic fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, and raged for over 43 hours. The blaze engulfed seven of the eight 31-storey high-rise buildings of the complex — a site with roughly 2,000 apartments housing nearly 4,600–4,800 residents. As of December 1st, the confirmed death toll has risen above 150, with dozens injured and many more who remain missing.
I’m raising funds for the survivors because this tragedy hits close to home — Hong Kong is the city that birthed me and raised me for the first 17 years of my life. Seeing families displaced, homes destroyed, and lives lost in my home city is gutwrenching. I want to do what I can to help.
During the disaster, families fled with only what they could carry. Entire homes were destroyed. Elderly residents, middle and low-income households, and families with children have been left without shelter, essential belongings, or a clear path forward, with many families tragically torn apart, leaving loved ones separated by life and death (陰陽相隔).
One-third of the buildings' residents were over 65, of which many were disabled or mobility-impaired, making evacuation via stairs nearly impossible once the smoke thickened. Many were unable to escape the burning inferno.
Surviving residents report nightmares: many households were trapped when flames raced up the flammable renovation mesh, leaving families with nothing — no home, no belongings, and often no warning.
I wanted to share some stories of the deceased and the affected to shed some light on the devastation within the community. These are just some of the many stories from the tragedy:
- Mrs Yip was a 66-year-old resident who — upon hearing about the fire that hit her building — refused to leave her neighbors behind. She knocked on her neighbors’ doors on the 17th floor to warn them, saving at least four people and one dog. She heroically gave others a chance to escape before passing away in the blaze. Her husband wrote that though he deeply regrets not being able to reach her in time, he believes she “would not have regretted her decision to save others.”
- Firefighter Ho Wai Ho, a nine-year veteran, rushed into the Wang Fuk Court blaze to rescue residents. He passed away in the fire. His fiancé posted a public message mourning him — calling him her “superhero,” expressing grief and heartbreak, saying she “really, really want[s] to be able to hold your hand again.” Ho and his fiancé were set to be married this December.
- Rhodora Alcaraz, a Filipino domestic helper (OFW) who arrived in Hong Kong just a few days ago, survived the blaze. During the fire, she rescued a three‑month‑old baby by shielding them amid heavy smoke. She heroically wrapped the baby in a wet blanket and used her own body to protect the infant from smoke and fire while awaiting rescue.
I’m running to raise funds to support immediate relief and long-term recovery for the survivors of Wang Fuk court. For every $1 CAD (or equivalent — roughly 0.7 USD or 0.54 GBP) donated between now and December 8 (so that funds can be transferred as soon as possible!), I will run 2 meters, aiming for 42 kilometers from December 16–19, 2025. My strava will be connected to this fundraiser between those dates for those interested in keeping track!
All donations raised will be split to support four verified organizations directly assisting Wang Fuk Court survivors. (25% of total proceeds per organization.) These organizations have committed to ensuring donations go fully to those affected:
- SKH Welfare Council – Wang Fuk Court Fire Relief Fund: Supports displaced residents with emergency housing, essential supplies, and long-term assistance.
- Tung Wah Group of Hospitals – Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fund: Provides immediate and longer-term relief to families. Tung Wah has pledged no deduction for administrative costs, so every dollar goes directly to those in need.
- Yan Chai Hospital – Fire Relief for Tai Po: Offers emergency supplies, counseling, and support services for displaced and injured residents.
- Migrants’ Rights Network – Support Tai Po Fire Survivors: Focuses on assisting migrant workers affected by the fire, including foreign domestic helpers, providing essentials, shelter, and advocacy support.
Note: Since GoFundMe cannot be linked to a Hong Kong bank account, and many of these foundations do not accept non-HK payment methods, I will transfer your donation from my Canadian account to my family's Hong Kong bank account, which will be used to donate to these foundations. I will personally cover all bank transfer fees. The receipts of these will be posted here as updates.
Your donation helps provide:
- Temporary housing, food, clothing, and bedding
- Medical care and support for injured residents
- Replacement of lost household items and basic necessities
- Long-term assistance for families rebuilding their lives
This disaster has left a deep wound in the community — but together, we can help survivors regain stability, dignity, and hope.
Every meter counts. Every dollar helps. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser makes a huge difference.
Organizer
Christine Chan
Organizer