We speak with Nadia Harilela, Natasha Li, and Olivia Croucher-Buckingham about their Christmas traditions and the importance of giving back
Left to Right: Nadia Harilela, Natasha Li, and Olivia Croucher-Buckingham
Following the successful debut of the Fayre of St. Johns’ last year, Quintessentially Lifestyle is proud to present the second edition of the Christmas concert that benefits Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre. With something for everyone, such as the assortment of Christmas comfort food to magical performances, the second edition is set to be its best yet.
We speak with Nadia Harilela, Natasha Li, and Olivia Croucher-Buckingham who are on the committee about why Christmas is their favourite time of year and the importance of giving back:
Why We Love the Fayre of St. Johns’
“Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and the Fayre signals the start of the countdown to Christmas. Carol Services bring back such happy memories of my schooldays in the UK and attending one in Hong Kong that is also for such a good cause, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Maggie’s, is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas Season.” – Natasha Li
The Importance of Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre
“Having visited Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre, it is wonderful to be part of such a warm and welcoming place where there is such a sense of community. Not only is it a place for cancer sufferers but also those who are surrounded by the illness whether it be a family member or friend. Everything provided at Maggie’s is free of charge which is why donations are imperative to keep Maggie’s pioneering approach stronger than ever.” – Olivia Croucher-Buckingham
Addressing Cancer
“Cancer is everywhere. In our family especially we have seen so many people struggle with cancer and either pass away or battle it and survove. The biggest struggle I’ve seen from those around me with cancer is dealing with it. A lot of the time it’s hard to relate to someone going through this because you just don’t know how to be there. Often times we donate for research, screenings, and treatments, but for those of us who have never experienced it first-hand, I just find it extremely hard to discuss with people. In all honesty, it makes me nervous. I never know how to approach it. Often times I sit there with people going through it in silence because I just don’t know what to say. Being there is the only help I have been able to offer, which is why I love what Maggie’s is doing. It’s giving people an outlet to psychologically deal with what they are going through. From all the people in my life who have struggled with cancer, I wish they had a chance to experience what Maggie’s has to offer.” – Nadia Harilela
A Highlight of the Holiday Season
“Christmas is 100% family time for me. My sister lives in New York and as with most people our lives our all so hectic with work and travelling that Christmas is the one time of year that we have time to really be together at home as a family. I love choosing gifts for my loved ones and seeing the look on their face when they open it (hopefully a look of happiness), I love decorating our Christmas tree with all of the ornaments that we have collected over the years and reminiscing about the story each one holds, I love coming home to the smell of the Christmas tree every evening, and most importantly I love switching my phone off on Christmas day and sitting down with friends and family to share memories and enjoy each other’s company.” – Natasha Li
What’s On Your Wishlist?
“Every year, we propose a charity fund. Instead of buying each other extravagant gifts, we give something small for the sake of giving a gift to each other, and we put together a fund to donate to a charity of our choice. Last year I remember we went through old items we no longer needed to donate to Red Cross. Each year on the morning of our birthdays we do the same by visiting Mother Theresa’s in Sham Shui Po and bringing old items to donate as well as food for all the Sisters. Holidays in our family is a day to give back rather than to just give to each other, and we look forward to this the most every year.” – Nadia Harilela
Photography by Vincent Tsang
Special thanks to Kee Club