Bridging Languages and Animal Advocacy | Ming Sum Cho’s Volunteer Journey with the SPCA
Together with Time Auction, the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program encourages skilled volunteers for Swire Trust NGO partners in education, marine conservation, and arts. From now to 2025. 10 outstanding volunteers will be selected annually as the “Swire Trust Go-Givers of the Year” with special rewards & recognition. Meet our 10 Go-Givers of 2024!
Meet Ming Sum — Translating for Change
With a passion for translation and a love for animals, Ming Sum has been volunteering as a translator for the magazine of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Pawprint, and various event materials over the past year. The SPCA, Hong Kong’s leading animal welfare charity, is dedicated to promoting kindness to animals, preventing cruelty, and rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. By translating content between English and Chinese, Ming Sum helps the SPCA broaden their reach and raise awareness for their vital initiatives.
Language as a Bridge to Compassion
Ming Sum discovered the SPCA’s volunteer opportunity through Time Auction, a platform that connects skilled volunteers with non-profit organizations. Her passion for both translation and animal welfare attracted her to the position. "I've loved translation since I was young," Ming Sum shared. "It gives me a sense of accomplishment, and this role with the SPCA allows me to use my skills for something I deeply care about."
Before working with the SPAC, Ming Sum had volunteered with various organizations, primarily doing hands-on work like meal distribution and community visits, so this new opportunity to utilize her skills in translation was something fresh and exciting. "I think Time Auction is a great platform, and this role with the SPCA is a perfect fit for me," she added.
Words That Make a Difference
Although Ming Sum works remotely and hasn’t yet met the SPCA staff face-to-face, she has already built a wonderful bond with the team. "Even though we communicate through emails and phone calls, I feel their respect and appreciation," she reflected. "The workload can be heavy at times, but the staff always make sure it's manageable, and I feel supported.”
The SPCA team has been equally impressed with Ming Sum’s effort. "Ming Sum has been an exceptional volunteer, consistently demonstrating reliability and dedication in her work. Her translation skills have been invaluable in advancing and supporting our initiatives, including Pawprint articles and other key activities," they shared. "Beyond her primary responsibilities, Ming Sum readily steps up to assist with ad hoc tasks whenever needed, making it easier for the team and ensuring that our projects run smoothly."
For Ming Sum, each completed translation feels like a contribution not just to the SPCA, but to society as a whole. "Helping the organization indirectly helps the community," she explained. "It's rewarding to know that my skills are supporting such a vital cause."
Saving Lives, One Translation at a Time
Volunteering with the SPCA gave Ming Sum a deeper understanding of the organization’s work. Through translating articles for Pawprint and different event materials, she personally gained insights into the challenges and successes of animal protection efforts in Hong Kong.
Additionally, Ming Sum has sharpened her translation skills. "Translation is continuous learning," she believes. "No one can know every word or phrase, and this volunteer work has been a great way to expand my knowledge."
Her work is highly commended by the SPCA. "Her contributions have significantly enhanced the quality and reach of our work. We deeply appreciate her long-term commitment and the support she continues to offer, making her an integral part of our team," they praised.
Furthermore, the experience also broadened Ming Sum’s horizons. "If I were just working in my regular job, I'd mostly interact with people in the same industry," she reflected. "But volunteering allows me to meet people from different backgrounds and industries, and that diversity keeps life interesting.”
Translate Your Passion into Action
On a personal level, Ming Sum believes that volunteering is an opportunity not only to contribute to society, but also to learn more about it, "Serving the community helps you understand society better, and it brings a sense of fulfillment that you might not find elsewhere."
More importantly, on a societal level, Ming Sum observes the mutual benefits brought by volunteering and encourages others to do so as well, "Volunteering is a win-win: organizations get the help they need, and volunteers gain valuable experiences and insights."
Thank you Ming Sum for contributing 56 volunteer hours, with SPCA!
To see details of the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program and support their NGO partners, head over to Time Auction website.
Written by Time Auction team, Edited by Margaret Ng, Volunteer Editor
