Pizza Event

As the founder of Public Goods, a community-focused initiative, my sister and I organized a pizza party at Refugee Union in Hong Kong on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025. This event was more than just a gathering—it was an opportunity to connect with the people we support through our donations and to better understand their needs and circumstances as refugees.

Around 20 adults and children from Refugee Union attended, and we served pizza to celebrate their hard work in building a supportive community. Although I felt a bit nervous at first, the warmth and kindness of the attendees immediately made me feel welcome. We introduced ourselves and played icebreaker games, which helped us connect on a personal level. I’ll never forget how one person shared their favorite foods—seafood and pizza—while another enthusiastically talked about chicken wings. These small but meaningful conversations allowed us to see the humanity behind the challenges they face. 

Initially, I assumed that the primary needs of refugees were tangible items like toys or daily supplies. However, our conversations revealed something much deeper; a longing for education and opportunities to improve their circumstances, especially for their children. Many of the adults shared their struggles with the local education system and their inability to attend university due to their refugee status. Despite these barriers, they expressed an unshakable commitment to learning and a determination to provide a better future for their families.

Hearing their stories firsthand was both humbling and inspiring. Their resilience in the face of hardship and their hope for a brighter future highlighted the importance of not only providing physical resources but also creating opportunities for growth and education. Moving forward, I hope to expand our efforts beyond material donations to include learning opportunities, helping them turn their dreams of a better life into reality.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of connection and empathy, and it continues to motivate me to make a meaningful impact in the world.