
In the second of our celebrating DB ‘aunties’ features, we speak to Dana Winograd, director of local environment charity Plastic Free Seas, and her helper Lydia.
How long have you lived in Discovery Bay and what brought you here?
We have lived in DB for 20 years, having moved from Mid-Levels. It was quite easy to find a place to live here and we enjoyed the relaxed environment.
How long has your helper been with your family?
Lydia has been with us for more than 19 years!
What stood out in your helper that made you decide to hire her?
Lydia worked for a friend of ours who was living in HK and came highly recommended to us. We were expecting our first child at the time.
Tell us something you appreciate about your helper.
We appreciate how much we trust Lydia with everything to do with our lives and how she has helped to raise all of our children as if they were her own.
Name a special moment that your helper has shared with your family.
The births of our four children.
Lydia Busania has been in Hong Kong for 21 years, the majority of which has been with the Winograd family. She tells us a little bit about herself and working with the Dana and her family.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from.
My name is Lydia Busania. I have one grown son. I have been in Hong Kong for 21 years and I am from Cordon, Isabela, Philippines.
What’s one thing you like about Discovery Bay?
I like that Discovery Bay is so peaceful. It feels like I am living in a village instead of the big city of Hong Kong.
Tell us one thing you enjoy about your job.
Because I only have one son, it has been such a pleasure to be a part of the family and help raise all of the four children. It’s like they are my own. And another important thing is that Dana doesn’t treat me as if I am just an employee – I can call her my friend!
Name one thing you wish the community knew about domestic workers.
This isn’t really a problem in Discovery Bay, but in my opinion, I think that sometimes people don’t appreciate the sacrifices that domestic helpers make by working in Hong Kong. For example, being away from our children, sending money back home, living in a foreign country, etc. We would prefer to be living in the Philippines but we need to provide a good future for our children and to ensure that we can support our families now and in the future.
Tags: dana winograd, helper appreciation month