“Light the World Giving Machine” Returns After Raising Over HKD$270K

Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Light the World Giving Machine will return this Christmas, continuing its innovative approach to fundraising through interactive donation vending machines. The initiative invites the public to join hands in acts of kindness and support local charities. This year’s beneficiary organisations include Direction Association for the Handicapped, Food Angel, Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services (HKCECES), LOVE 21 Foundation, Pok Oi Hospital, and The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong.

Members of the public are invited to bring light and hope to others this festive season by visiting the Giving Machine:

Date: 26 November 2025 – 29 December 2025
Time: Mon–Fri: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Venue: YOHO Mall I, L1, Yuen Long (near Shop #1010)

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This innovative charity initiative, featuring touchscreen, donation-focused vending machines, encourages the public to purchase items provided by participating organisations. Donors can choose exactly where their contributions go, making the act of giving more personal, transparent, and engaging.

The Giving Machine made its Hong Kong debut last year at New Town Plaza, making the city one of the first in Asia to introduce this innovative concept. Nearly 3,000 donors contributed over HK$270,000 during the campaign, supporting five local charities — Foodlink Foundation, Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services (HKCECES), House of Learning, LOVE 21, and Pok Oi Hospital. The Church ensured that 100% of all donations went directly to these organisations, benefiting communities throughout the city.

Since its inception in 2017, the Giving Machine initiative has sought to facilitate both local and global aid, foster empathy, and inspire service. To date, it has raised nearly US$50 million worldwide. In 2024 alone, Giving Machine in 107 cities across 13 countries attracted more than 850,000 visitors and generated nearly 500,000 donations.

In Hong Kong, donated items ranged from rice and meal packs to English lessons and newborn support, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families — especially the elderly and children — received both immediate relief and long-term care.

“We were deeply moved by the sincerity of the Church and the generosity shown by the public,” said San San Ching, Founder and Director of HKCECES. “We hope to establish a children’s international folk choir in the future and continue raising funds so our music classes can be sustained over time.”

Beyond financial support, the initiative also enhanced public awareness of the featured charities.

“During the campaign, I received a call from a donor who learnt about our organisation through the Giving Machine and wanted to contribute more,” said Anita Chow, Executive Director of House of Learning. “It was a wonderful reminder of the power of visibility.”

The campaign also fostered collaboration among the charities. For example, LOVE 21 recently opened a new facility centre with a kitchen to serve its beneficiaries but lacked rice supplies. Foodlink Foundation stepped in and donated 300 kg of rice in September, helping LOVE 21 kick-start its meal programme.

Building on last year’s success, the Light the World Giving Machine returns this Christmas, inviting everyone to turn compassion into action and share warmth and hope with those in need.

To learn more, visit instagram.com/givingmachine.hk

How does the Giving Machine work:

Highlights from last year’s donation machine opening ceremony: