The founder of Maison Huit and Babylicious HK tells us why causes related to children and health are dearest to her heart

Bonnie Kwong-Li may have a full-time role as the co-founder of lifestyle boutique Maison Huit and children lifestyle website, Babylicious HK, but that didn’t stop her from making time for charitable work.

A graduate of Macquarie University in Sydney and a mother of two lovely children, Bonnie currently serves on the committee of the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation's Women of Hope and is a council member of UNICEF Hong Kong.

In ‘The Next Step’ series where we pose questions to Hong Kong-based philanthropic women about their philanthropic work, Bonnie tells us why she chooses to devote her time on charity work related to children and health and the importance of giving back.

See also: How To Make An Impact That Lasts

How and when did you first get involved in philanthropic work?

I first got involved in philanthropic work when I was at university, researching foster parent projects. I’ve always had a passion for charities involving children. Then I started to work with UNICEF around 9 years ago and have been working on a number of different causes, mainly related to children and health.

What are the causes you care about?

I believe children and health are the keys to a brighter future. These are the causes I choose to focus my energy on.

Tatler Asia
Above Bonnie Kwong-Li is wearing Bethany White Gold White/Amber Patent with Ink 4 Pebbles (Photo: Affa Chan/Hong Kong Tatler)

Which of your philanthropic endeavours are you most proud of?

My work with UNICEF has been very satisfying. The projects we work on range from education and health initiatives such as vaccination and HIV prevention, to child protection and children’s rights.

Compared to other charities, which may focus on a specific area and target to help a certain number of individuals or families each year, we make an impact that lasts for generations. We work directly with governments to influence policy, which is why I’m proud of the scope and variety of our work.

Why is giving back to the community important to you?

Personally, I think we all have a responsibility to help those in need in whatever way we can. I am grateful to be in a position where I have the means and opportunity to give something back.

See also: 10 Philanthropy Prizes That Are Changing The World

Tatler Asia
Above Bonnie Kwong-Li is wearing Vida 24k Gold White Patent with Cubik Pebbles (Photo: Affa Chan/Hong Kong Tatler)

Can you tell us what are you working on right now?

This year, I’m on the committee of the Women of Hope Awards. The awards aim to honour inspirational Hong Kong women while raising funds to support underprivileged cancer patients. I’m also currently on the board of UNICEF Hong Kong and sit on their fundraising and advocacy committee.

A project we have that I’m particularly excited about is the UNICEF Innolab, where we bring together some of the brightest, most talented youths from our UNICEF Club, Young Envoys Programme, and current and former volunteers. We ask them to brainstorm solutions to local and global social problems and guide them to advocate for children’s rights. I’ve learned so much from these youths and am constantly amazed by how committed, talented and innovative they are.

What're your next steps?

As a mother of two, I remain committed to the causes closest to my heart—children and health. I will continue to focus on these causes and give back whenever I can, particularly through my work with UNICEF. I also aim to instil the same values in my kids. I very much hope that, as they grow older, they can join me in giving back to society.

See also: How Foundations In Asia Are Being Passed Down To The Next Generation

Tatler Asia
Above Royaloak White Gold Aquamarine Patent with Pure White Gold Pebbles (Photo: Affa Chan/Hong Kong Tatler)

'The Next Step’ series is brought to you by R. SANDERSON London, a maker of precious, one-of-a-kind women shoes and accessories. Its creations exude timeless elegance and exceptional artistry, distinguished by the unique hand-gilded 24-carat gold leaf heel and iconic “Pebble” that is instantly recognisable by its artistic expressiveness.

Credits

Photography  

Affa Chan

Make-Up  

Wendy Lee @Wendy's Workshop

Topics