The Joy of Helping Others

Chinese medicine practitioner Mr Lam Kar-yeung believes that through volunteering, one can find the meaning of life and fully develop his or her strength. His father, who is also a Chinese medicine practitioner and joined his son in providing free treatment, has great influence on Mr Lam. "It is a blessing that I am able to apply my medical expertise to care for the vulnerable. Helping others has become my mission."

Healing Hands Bring Warmth to the Needy

Mr Lam has been paying monthly voluntary visits to the singleton elderly in Ping Chau under the programme of Sheng Kung Hui since 2010. Starting from 2013, he has incorporated Chinese medicine service in his visits, having benefitted about 70 families so far. He also teaches peer-volunteers acupressure skills and approaches of spreading healthcare knowledge. Moreover, he frequently provides tailor-made service for the elderly. For instance, in humid days, Mr Lam would prepare tips on eliminating dampness in human body, and apply acupressure to alleviate joint-pain for the elderly. He has also recruited many like-minded practitioners and students in Chinese medicine to provide non-invasive treatments such as acupressure, massage, cupping and moxibustion.

Since 2011, Mr Lam has been collaborating with Changan Children Rehabilitation Hospital in Xian, providing free treatment for children with cerebral palsy, autism or Down’s Syndrome, deprived villagers, and left-behind children. He organized health talks for them, and sent them stationeries and daily utensils donated by Hongkongers, benefitting more than 3,000 people. Besides providing staff training, acupuncture service and health talks at the Hospital, he also helped establish a treatment-cum-care centre for the autistics and other treatment facilities.

In 2015, he extended his voluntary service to Qingyuan City, Guangdong. He has helped establish a sensory integration training playroom in a rural school, and organized health checks and health talks for its teachers and students.

Looking forward, Mr Lam hopes to work with more organizations and volunteers to offer free healthcare integrating Western and Chinese medicine in Ping Chau. He plans to provide free treatment and health talks in more districts and offshore islands for more people in need.