A Symphony of Skilled-Volunteering | Yannie Leung, Swire Trust Go-Givers of 2022

Together with Time Auction, the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program encourages skilled volunteers for Swire Trust NGO partners from 2020 to 2022. 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 2022!

Meet Chi Yan, Yannie

After every nine-to-six days of tedious clerical work at the office, it is perhaps one of the greatest pleasures to indulge yourself in the tranquility of music. Most people would do that, but Yan Chi, Yannie, took it to the next level: she shared this incredible joy with others.

The Prelude to Becoming a Volunteer

Having learned piano since secondary school, Yannie developed a deep passion for the art of music. She followed the masterful guidance of professors at university and went to world-class concerts performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, also an NGO partner of Time Auction.

In one of their concerts, Yannie got to know about Time Auction and, through its skilled-volunteering platform, Yannie quickly found herself a perfect volunteer project: piano tutoring for children.

The Movement of Improvements

In this volunteer opportunity, she worked with a dozen children around six years old. When they started, these children were just beginners who may have never even touched the black-and-white keys before, but by the end, some of them even managed to ace the rigorous graded piano examinations! 

Moreover, their improvement was not only in their fingers but also in their minds.

"Although the students found it difficult and struggled, I could still see that they tried their very best to learn."

Yannie praised her young but mature students. “I think the most important thing is that they are at least willing to learn.”

The Finale: Reflections on Volunteerism

Indeed, taking the first step to try is critical. For Yannie, she took her first step in volunteering. “Actually, this is my first time volunteering [after I left school],” Yannie admitted. “I decided to start volunteering with Time Auction because it is trustworthy.” Amazed by the wide range of volunteer opportunities posted on the matching platform, she was surprised that volunteering did not only include the typical marathon fundraisings or flag days that she joined in secondary school but could also be putting forward specific skills and talents.

Having gained a fresh perspective on volunteerism, Yannie applied for a project by the Hub Children and Youth Centre to teach weekly piano lessons. Undeniably, it was a demanding commitment: one hour per week for almost a year! Nonetheless, Yannie had a huge heart for helping underprivileged children in the Sham Shui Po District.

Yannie is very caring and patient tutor. She has always built good relationship with both the students and their parents. She was very willing to hear the feedback from our staff to make necessary improvements when needed.

— Natty Wong, The Hub Children and Youth Centre

Although people often think of volunteering as a unilateral act of charity, Yannie’s experience proved otherwise. Unquestionably, the students could participate in extracurricular activities, express themselves creatively, develop their potential, and enhance their competitiveness due to the piano lessons. 

At the same time, however, Yannie also benefited from volunteering. On top of receiving the Swire Trust Go-Givers of the Year, which she was very thankful for, this volunteer experience also gave her the precious opportunity to teach something she loved. Not only was she able to have a good time during the lesson, but the satisfaction of witnessing her student’s success also boosted Yannie’s confidence, which will surely help her in all aspects of life beyond the piano keys.

Thank you so much to Yannie for contributing 57 volunteer hours at The Hub Children and Youth Centre!

To see details of the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program and support their NGO partners, head over to Time Auction website.

Written by Margaret Ng, Volunteer Copywriter for Time Auction