Happenings & Events – Stuff to Know in November

BOX OF HOPE DELIVERIES

Taking part in the annual Box of Hope campaign this month, kids across Hong Kong (and DB) are busy packing shoeboxes of gifts and essentials which will be sent to children in need in Hong Kong and across Asia. Box of Hope relies on a local network of distribution and logistics companies who enable the boxes to reach their recipients. It works in collaboration with local, and some overseas charities to support the children and families who receive the boxes.

Box of Hope was founded by Nicole Woolhouse and Harriet Cleverly in 2008 with the mission to give children in extreme poverty the chance to experience the joy of receiving a gift over the festive period, while at the same time teaching Hong Kong school children the concept of poverty in an easily understandable way. Box of Hope reached out to 33,670 children through 122 charities during its 2021 campaign. Over 272,000 boxes have
been shared with children since 2008.

So how do you make a box of hope? First, find an empty shoebox, roughly 30cm x 22cm x 13cm, and decorate it. Then add in your gifts (every box needs to contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, a notebook, coloured pencils, a game and something to love.) Be sure to also include your name and a message for the child who will receive the box. Finally, seal the box and attach a Box of Hope sticker.

DB schools supporting Box of Hope this year include DBIS, DC, HKILA, S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School, Bayview House of Children, Tree of Joy, Discovery Montessori Academy, Discovery Montessori School and Woodentots Montessori.

If your child’s school is not involved in the scheme, you can fill your own box and drop it at the concierge at Two Exchange Square in Central, from November 7 to 11.

To find out more and get involved, email [email protected] or visit www.boxofhope.org.

ST NICHOLAS IS COMING TO TOWN

One World Spirit Association has arranged for St Nicholas, the third-century Catholic saint who inspired the modern version of Santa Claus, to pay a visit to DB homes on December 4. Families with children aged two to six years old can sign up for a visit, and then prepare a small gift for St Nicholas to deliver when he knocks on their door. You can click here to enrol.

One World Spirit Association has been providing online and physical cultural-exchange events for residents for the past two years. While its team of regular volunteers now numbers 15+, founders Shirlee and Hans Dickert are looking for more support in the lead-up to the December event.

Golf cart drivers are needed to get the DB St Nicks to residents’ homes, as are young volunteers (aged 13 years and up) to assist the team by liaising with families who have signed up for a visit.

“Hans first took part in the St Nicholas Charity Service in his hometown Schnaittenbach, Germany when he was 18 years old,” says Shirlee, “and he has seen how much it benefited children and families. We want to recruit young residents in particular, in order to pass on this wonderful tradition and legacy.”

To volunteer, call 6219 3817.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF One World Spirit Association.]

XMAS MARKETS IN THE PLAZA

Still got stocking fillers and under-the-tree presents to buy? Make your way to the Discovery Bay Christmas markets being held in DB Plaza on November 13 and 27 from 11am to 6pm.

Handmade Hong Kong, the organisers of these indie craft markets, believe in the value of handmade goods, the act of creating and old fashioned neighbourliness. What better way to treat loved ones this Christmas than by supporting local artisans?

Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

DONNA LEE AT HK CULTURAL CENTRE

Discovery College student and violinist Donna Lee is performing in the I Love Hong Kong Concert at Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on November 24.

Donna, 14, has had an amazing year musically, winning first prize in both the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition and the Bach International Music Competition (young artist category).

In 2018, Donna placed first in the Hong Kong Outstanding Musician Competition and the Osaka International Music Competition.

To learn more about the I Love Hong Kong Concert, a free event, visit www.hksar25.gov.hk/en/events_local.php.

[PHOTO BY Herman @ChinaVisual.]

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The plan is to turn DB into a European town this Xmas and, to help everyone get into festive mode, there’s a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at DB North Plaza on November 25 at 6pm.

You can expect a Christmas choir, Latin dancers and a live band, plus snow effects. DB’s Christmas decorations are always a highlight of the holiday season and we look forward to seeing what’s in store for 2022.

NEW EXHIBITION SPACE/ PHOTO STUDIO IN DB NORTH

Be sure to check out Natural Space, the newly opened exhibition space-cum photography studio in DB North Plaza.

The brainchild of multi award-winning photographer/ curator Hua Zi, (Herman as he’s known in these parts), Natural Space has been designed as a community hub, with exhibitions rotating every two weeks. As the founder of the All-China Photographers Association, Herman will be showing the work of leading Chinese photographers from across the world.

Residents are also welcome to exhibit or simply drop by to have photos taken.

To find out more, WhatsApp 9355 6358. For more on Herman, click here.
[PHOTO BY Herman @ChinaVisual.]

ROBIN HOOD: THE PANTO

It’s pantomime season, and Hong Kong Players is preparing to celebrate its 61st consecutive year of annual pantos! Be sure to catch Robin Hood: The Panto, running from December 1 to 11, at the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Shouson Theatre in Wanchai.

The all-singing, all-dancing spectacular promises fun for the whole family with both afternoon and evening performances on offer.

For tickets, starting at HK$295, visit www.popticket.hk.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Hong Kong Players.]

UNDER-THE-TREE PRESENTS AT BOOKAZINE

The holiday season has arrived early at Bookazine and this year, it’s all about Hong Kong brands and authors. There is something for everyone, be it toys, books or home accessories. From Hong Kong themed puzzles by Lion Rock Press to bamboo cutlery designed by local artist Liz Fry, Bookazine offers you plenty of ways to gift your loved ones a taste of Hong Kong, wherever they may be.

Head to Bookazine in DB Plaza or visit www.bookazine.com.hk.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Bookazine.]

GOODBYE BRASSERIE 22° NORTH!

In mid-October, Philippe Moriau made the difficult decision to shut Brasserie 22° North after 14 years in operation. The news was received with sadness by many residents for whom the restaurant was a go-to for afterwork drinks, special promotions and, of course, classic Belgian cuisine.

Brasserie 22° North is scheduled to close at the end of November. We wish Philippe and his team all the best. They will be missed!

[PHOTO BY Richard Gordon – www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

HONG KONG JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival is back for its 23rd edition. This year’s programme, running November 12 to 20, includes a line-up of 23 films, documentaries and shorts exploring Jewish culture and history.

Screenings are taking place at the following cinemas: MCL Cinema (Cyberport), Golden Screen Cinema (Kennedy Town) and K11 Musea Cinema (Tsim Sha Tsui).

To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, visit www.hkjff.org.

A BALLROOM OF ONE-STOP XMAS SHOPPING

Prestige Fairs is holding its annual Christmas Gift and Lifestyle Fair on November 23 (and December 5) from 10am to 8pm at the Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty.

With over 120 vendors on each day, selling an incredible variety of eclectic products, you are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas gift list. Prestige shoppers can also enjoy a 20% discount on lunch at the Conrad Garden Café or Lobby Lounge. To learn more, visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Prestige Fairs.]

GINGERBREAD FOR GOOD CAMPAIGN

Hong Kong-based charity Cookie Smiles is partnering with the Landmark and 22 celebrity chefs to bring back the Gingerbread for Good Campaign, which aims to raise at least HK$600,000 for its two beneficiaries: Box of Hope and the Vocational Training Council’s Shine Skills Centre.

Co-founded by Jo Soo-Tang and DB resident Agnes Chin, Cookie Smiles is a long-time supporter of the Vocational Training Council’s Shining Star Programme, an internship scheme aimed at providing interesting work experience opportunities for students with disabilities.

To show your support and pick up some quality gingerbread, drop by Shop 350 at the Landmark Atrium, Central from November 24 to January 1.

To learn more, visit www.cookiesmiles.com.hk.

[PHOTO BY Until Chan.]

A NEW CHAPTER FOR DBICC

Discovery Bay International Community Church (DBICC) has announced that Pastor Danny Cullins is returning to Texas this month after four wonderful years in DB. A Pastoral Search Committee has already been set up to find a new senior pastor. In the interim, an interesting line-up of guest speakers will be provided every Sunday.

After 25 years, DBICC continues to be a light and haven to its Lantau congregation. A worship service for adults is held every Sunday at 10am at Discovery College, alongside tailored programmes for nursery-, junior- and secondary-age kids. DBICC’s youth/ teen group gets together every Friday evening, and a number of small group sessions are held throughout the week for adults.

To get involved, visit www.dbicc.org.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF DBICC.]

DBIS NURSERY & RECEPTION OPEN DAY

Discovery Bay International School is delighted to be hosting an Open Day at its Early Years campus on November 8.

DBIS’s highly experienced Nursery and Reception teaching team will be on hand to show you round the campus, answer your questions about the popular school’s approach to Early Years education and share news about a prospective new class starting from January.

DBIS Early Years recognises that all children are unique and therefore learn and develop at different rates.

To find out more about why children love learning at DBIS, visit dbis.hk/eyopenday and sign up for one of the two available sessions, 3pm to 4pm or 5pm to 6pm. All are welcome.
[PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]