Hong Kong, famously known as “Shopping Heaven,” is offering a new way to give back this holiday season. Nestled in New Town Plaza, Shatin, the city hosts one of Asia’s first-ever Light the World Giving Machines.
Courtesy of Church NewsroomThese innovative donation-focused vending machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allow users to “shop” for charitable causes by purchasing much-needed items for local organizations.
The Giving Machines initiative launched in Hong Kong on November 15, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, an apostle of the Church. Representatives from five local charities—Pok Oi Hospital, Foodlink Foundation, Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services, House of Learning, and Love 21—joined the event. Together, they celebrated the spirit of collaboration and community impact these machines bring.
Courtesy of Church NewsroomElder Dieter F. Uchtdorf remarked, “It was very good to see the five groups which are very significant. They are very positive in their approach, in connecting to the Church and our means, desires and goals.”
A New Way to Give
The Giving Machines offer a simple but profound opportunity to serve. By choosing pre-set donation items such as meals, educational supplies, or medical goods, donors can directly support vulnerable groups like low-income families, the elderly, children, and the neurodiverse. Each charity involved brings its own unique mission to the table, creating a far-reaching impact across Hong Kong.
Courtesy of Church NewsroomDuring the launch ceremony, each participating charity lit a candle, symbolizing a collective effort to bring light, love, and hope to those in need.
Elder Uchtdorf said they by coming together, they were lighting “a candle of faith, love, kindness and giving thanks, not only to God, but also to those around us, and helping others wherever we go.”
Courtesy of Church NewsroomLater, on social media, Elder Uchtdorf added more about his experience. He said, “All of God’s children—both givers and receivers—are blessed by the wonderful donations offered around the world at Giving Machines. We were grateful to be present as a new Giving Machine was unveiled recently in Hong Kong.”
“It is wonderful to be working closely with a number of important charities in Hong Kong in this effort. The opportunity to collaborate in lighting the world with these wonderful organizations allows us to more effectively provide meals, clean water, school supplies, toys, and clothing to those truly in need.”
Transforming Charitable Giving
Courtesy of Church NewsroomThe Giving Machines have been a global success since their debut in 2017, raising over $32 million USD for charitable causes. This year, they’ve expanded to 106 cities across 13 countries, including Hong Kong, Asia’s first host city. The Church covers all operational costs, ensuring 100% of donations directly benefit the charities.
Jeff Rotmeyer, founder and CEO of Love 21, a charity supporting individuals with Down syndrome and autism, expressed gratitude for the initiative. “This is such a cool idea,” he said. “We want to provide a much stronger united voice for this community because this is the community that is very held back in society, and they are just not really given the same opportunities as you and I have had. So as a charity, we are just trying to do all we can. We are extremely grateful for this amazing support.”
Courtesy of Church NewsroomFor donors like Siu Ling Lee, the machines simplify the giving process. “There are a lot of people that need our help, yet I don’t know how to reach out to them,” she said. “The Giving Machines makes it easy for me to contribute to different groups of people at the same time.”
Be Part of the Campaign
The Giving Machines will be available in New Town Plaza through January 1, 2025. Visitors can stop by daily between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. to participate in this unique charitable opportunity.
Courtesy of Church NewsroomElder Uchtdorf said online, “During this special season, may each of us follow our Savior Jesus Christ—the light of the world—by showing love, kindness, gratitude, and peace to all who we encounter.”
This Christmas, shop for a purpose and be part of something truly special. Come experience the joy of giving and help light the world by visiting one of the 106 Giving Machines around the world.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
