Since its inception in 1870 as Tung Wah Hospital, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) has established itself as Hong Kong’s largest and longest-standing charity organisation. Over its many years in the city, TWGHs has made a significant impact from providing quality free medical services for those in need, to supporting education institutions of all levels, as well as extending support through comprehensive community services for those in need.
As a charity, they rely on the generosity of Hongkongers to continue operations that help its community, and one of its fundraising activities is the ‘One Love One Hug’ charity pottery class. Unlike standard fundraising events that don’t yield tangible products, this engaging arts and crafts workshop allows donors to create heartfelt memories while making a difference. Conceptualised by Hong Kong celebrity Bernice Liu, this event will raise funds for the TWGHs MK Cancer Treatment Subsidy Fund, so participants can enjoy the therapeutic experience of pottery making while contributing to a worthy cause.
Liu had learned about the TWGHs’ cancer subsidy fund through a friend and was deeply moved by its mission, and initiated this pottery programme after being inspired by the western concept of hug pottery – embracing art as a form of self-expression, translating love into a physical keepsake. She then reached out to her pottery teacher Aidan Wong for help creating her vision, and everything fell into place. “She had just opened her own studio a month earlier, making it feel like fate had brought us together. It truly was serendipity!”
Under Wong’s guidance, attendees will learn the basics of throwing clay on a pottery wheel, followed by moulding and sculpting techniques, resulting in a 12-inch-tall ceramic vase. After shaping your sculpture, you and your loved ones will surround it and share a warm embrace, allowing the clay to mould to the contours of your bodies. Embellish your creation with details like clay flowers and colourful glazes before it gets fired in the kiln, and your party can leave with a one-of-a-kind design that holds cherished memories. “Witnessing the special moments captured during the sessions fills me with hope that the same joy will be experienced by the patients supported by TWGHs’ cancer fund,” Liu states. “As the project name suggests, we uplift others through love.”
If you’re interested in creating your own personalised clay art masterpiece to support those in need, head to TWGHs’ website and fill in the ‘One Love One Hug’ registration form. Each pottery session, priced at $38,000, accommodates up to four participants and runs for approximately two hours. After receiving confirmation from TWGHs’ team, successful applicants will get further details about the pottery workshop’s date, time, and location.
All registration fees for ‘One Love One Hug’ will be donated to the TWGHs MK Cancer Treatment Subsidy Fund, which supports cancer patients with clinical needs subsidies on cancer therapy currently not covered by the government’s safety net. Founded in 2017, this fund has successfully financed effective cancer treatment programs for patients in despair, currently recognised in 10 public hospitals across Hong Kong.
As of January 2025, the subsidy fund has provided financial support for nearly 350 patients, totalling approximately $83 million. If you can afford the support, consider helping TWGHs’ long-standing tradition of providing affordable healthcare and developing more effective treatments for Hongkongers.
Visit TWGHs’ website to register for ‘One Love One Hug’ today and support those in need while creating meaningful artworks.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox
Recommended stories:
Pet-friendly outdoor festival Doggo Fest is coming to Hong Kong this November
Relive the golden age of Cantopop at this HKDI photography and audio exhibition