“Light the World Giving Machine” Inspires Hong Kong Residents to Brighten the City through Charity Giving 

The “2025 Light the World Giving Machine” charitable fundraising campaign, organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at YOHO Mall in Yuen Long, has successfully concluded. Held from November 26 to December 29 for a total of 34 days, the event raised nearly HK$200,000, all of which has been donated to the six beneficiary organizations: Pok Oi Hospital, Foodlink Foundation, Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services, Suicide Prevention Services, Direction Association for the Handicapped, and Love 21.

The launch ceremony on November 26, 2025 was presided over by Elder David Buckner of the Asia Area Presidency of the Church. Mission President David Hill and several Church leaders were also present to show their support. Renowned media personality Mr. Brian Burrell was invited to serve as the “Giving Machine Ambassador,” joining participants in witnessing the start of this meaningful charity initiative.

In his remarks, Elder Buckner expressed heartfelt gratitude to the charitable organizations for actively supporting the Giving Machine initiative. He also recognized Church members for their dedicated volunteer service, demonstrating compassion and Christlike love through their actions in the community.

The major fire incident in Tai Po occurred on the same day as the launch. In response, the Church promptly coordinated with partner charities and quickly adjusted some donation items to support affected residents, reflecting the Giving Machine program’s commitment to caring for those in need.

The campaign received an overwhelming response, attracting more than 1,000 participants and successfully raising nearly HK$200,000 to support various community assistance programs.

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Since 2017, the Church has promoted the Light the World Giving Machine initiative globally during the Christmas season, encouraging the public to remember those in need while celebrating the holidays and exchanging gifts. Through acts of giving, people can cultivate empathy, express Christlike love, and help build a more compassionate and harmonious society.

In 2024, the initiative reached 13 countries and 107 cities worldwide, drawing participation from more than 850,000 people. Over 490,000 items were donated with a total value of HK$120 million. The Church covers all administrative costs, ensuring that every dollar donated reaches the participating organizations. Funded projects included providing 2 million meals to the hungry, administering polio and measles vaccines to more than 500,000 children, distributing emergency food boxes to 125,000 refugees, supplying clothing to 48,000 individuals, donating 14,000 hygiene kits, delivering groceries and farm products for 10,200 people, and providing books and school supplies to 43,000 children and adults.

This year, the Giving Machines have expanded further to 126 cities across 21 countries on six continents, inviting even more charitable organizations to participate and serve a wider range of communities. Through the machines, the public can “purchase” various donation items, such as meals, learning tools, skills-training materials, daily necessities, and medical supplies. Over the past eight years, the initiative has raised a cumulative HK$380 million, blessing countless individuals in need.

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Many volunteers shared that through their service, they gained a deeper understanding of the true meaning of volunteer work, treating others with sincerity and supporting charitable organizations and the community with their best efforts. They expressed that even if they weren’t always able to secure donations, introducing the missions of beneficiary organizations to the public with genuine intent brought them a sense of peace and joy — gifts they believe represent the true spirit of Christmas.