Humanity in Action

Being Neighbourly x Naveen Sadhwani, Founder, Hanuman Charity

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Organisers at Hanuman treat their volunteers like family, ensuring a rewarding experience.

Since a place like Hong Kong is so fast-paced and busy, residents tend not to observe the people and situations around them. They are more focused on personal growth and themselves, which is a good thing, but also has its cons,” says Naveen Sadhwani, founder of Hanuman Charity.  “If we were all the same, those who actually need help wouldn’t be noticed and could end up in even worse situations.

Born and brought up in Hong Kong, Naveen, also known as Nick, grew up in a charitable family and has gained knowledge from past experiences in helping the underprivileged in countries including Africa and India. He passed these values on to the two other significant members of Hanuman Charity, his daughters, Samiha and Bianca; and together, they run all aspects of Hanuman, from meal box packing to planning clothing drives.

Charity outreach is almost daily.
A surge in homelessness means there is real need.

Hanuman was established in 2019 during COVID. At that time, many NGOs had stopped providing meals and other necessities to those in need. In response, the family began cooking and distributing homemade vegetarian meals to individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as to those living below the poverty line, such as isolated elderly individuals and cardboard collectors. Initially, they provided 20 meals a week, but, five years on, they now serve over 850 meals a week, thanks to their diverse team of volunteers. 

The NGO’s main activities involve participating in charity walks, which take place every day except Wednesdays. They recruit volunteers who are interested in providing meal bags and water to recipients waiting for them in different districts across Hong Kong.

Another core activity of the NGO is conducting monthly visits to elderly homes, where they provide supplies such as bread, cupcakes, and milk to the elderly who are expecting them. For corporate companies, they can organize a private CSR walk, where employees provide a minimum donation amount and can play an active role in distributing and donating items.

According to Sadhwani, many people do not realize that there are so many individuals in need, however, not only is there need, there has been a surge in the number of people experiencing homelessness, as well as those collecting cardboard or taking on odd jobs that barely cover their basic needs. Sadhwani cites the increase in need to being largely due to the economic downturn, which has led to many layoffs and a struggle to find stable employment.

Close bonds can develop between donors and recipients.
A gift of food can make such a difference.

“As individuals, humanity should be the first element that people consider. It is to realise the importance of doing good by giving back to the community,” says Sadhwani. According to him, this not only helps those in need, but also contributes to personal growth. “When we engage in acts of kindness, we often realize how privileged we are and our problems may seem minuscule in comparison to others’ problems. We tend to compare ourselves with those who are more successful, but we often fail to recognize that many people look up to us. We have the privilege of helping others and being someone they can rely on.”

Sadhwani says that in a city as expensive as Hong Kong, having a reliable job is crucial for residents. Many Hanuman beneficiaries are over the age of 65, which explains their difficulty in securing employment. They often find themselves competing with younger generations for the same positions. If they do manage to get a job, it is often in cleaning, which typically does not pay well and can lead to physical strain due to their age.”

“Our beneficiaries primarily include individuals experiencing homelessness, underprivileged individuals living below the poverty line, such as cardboard collectors and community cleaners, as well as some of the refugees in Hong Kong. Essentially, we aim to assist anyone in need who we are capable of helping, whether that means providing clothing, groceries, toiletries, or even just a meal,” he says, adding that whether it’s providing meals or talking to those who are going through difficulty, it is good to be more aware and to help others.

“If you see an elderly person on the street or someone who looks homeless, buying them some water or bread, even just acknowledging them, would be a good gesture.”

What is the best thing about the work that you do?

Founder of Hanuman, Naveen Sadhwani with a donee.

“The best part of our work is building connections. As a team, we not only connect with our recipients but also foster strong bonds among our volunteers. This sense of belonging enhances the overall experience, bringing joy to our recipients, who are extremely grateful for the efforts and support our team puts into our daily work,” says Naveen Sadwani.

“From cooking vegetarian meals to packing lunch boxes and distributing them to those in need, every step is infused with care. Seeing the smiles on our recipients’ faces as they enjoy our homemade meals is the greatest reward,” he adds.

Hanuman Charity 

2nd Floor, Flat F, Union Mansion,
33-35 Chatham Road South,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

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Being Neighbourly

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