Peter Bennet (Photo: Michaela Giles/Hong Kong Tatler)

Sit down with Peter Bennett for just a few minutes, and you’ll be swept away by the zeal he shows for his charity work. The retired hedge fund director, who was born in Hong Kong but spent his career between London and New York before moving back in 2005, is involved with a number of charity projects in the city. 

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His most audacious is the Rugby Sevens-linked Mission Possible, a fundraising initiative launched in 2013. The idea is to sell seats in a donated premium box for a minimum of HK$20,000 each, with the proceeds going to Hong Kong-based charities tackling poverty.

Ahead of next month's game, we sit down with the philanthropist to talk about how to have fun and give back at the same time.

You left Hong Kong when you were only 14, then returned towards the end of your career. What triggered that decision, and what do you like most about the city?

Being born here, it felt like slipping back into very familiar settings. Hong Kong is home. There’s an infectiously positive attitude everywhere you go, no doubt because of the amazing weather and the nature we are blessed with. The sense of community was also a major draw, especially compared to New York or London. 

The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of charity. Why did you decide to hold Mission Possible during the tournament?

I am a huge rugby fan. I thought that connecting a great sport like rugby—and a world-class event like the Hong Kong Sevens—with the equally great charitable mission of raising funds and awareness for poverty alleviation in the city would make the tournament even worthier of its recognition.

Mission Possible is like a bridge between two sides of Hong Kong: that of the hardships many people endure and that of the fun and celebratory spirit those of us who are luckier get to embrace. I’m for whatever fosters positive change; if we can have fun and give back at the same time, then let’s keep the party going.

Photo: Courtesy of Hong Kong Sevens

What’s your most amusing memory from the past four instalments of Mission Possible?

The time the Village People came to hang out at our box two years ago. It was crazy and completely unexpected. They partied with us for a good hour. Clearly we had the best box at the Sevens.

Last year you dressed up as Spider-Man, the year before as the Queen of Hearts. What’s your costume going to be this time?

I haven’t decided yet. GOD [Goods of Desire] is designing our box and we’re thinking of a 1970s Hong Kong theme. So we’ll see… Maybe I can try to replicate a police officer uniform from that era?

Your greatest piece of advice?

I have two. If you want something to change, or you want to help on a particular issue, get out there and do it. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the experience. Just get involved, however you can.

My second piece of advice is for people who are fortunate enough to have more money than they need: give back to charity. We really don’t need much to lead a happy life. The rest can go to help others, and trust me, there’s no better way to spend your money than that.

To buy tickets for seats in Mission Possible’s Rugby Sevens box April 7-9 visit missionpossible.org.hk.

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