Oxfam Trailwalker (OTW) – Hong Kong's most popular hiking fundraising event organised by Oxfam Hong Kong (OHK) – kicked off this morning (18 Nov) as OTW stepped into its 35th year. The kick-off ceremony was officiated by Bernard Chan, OTW Advisory Committee Chair, Trini Leung, Director General of OHK, and Jacky Chan, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, the Principal Sponsor. A total of 5,200 walkers from 1,300 teams participated in the challenge this year. OHK aims to raise HK$35 million to support its work in poverty alleviation, disaster relief and policy advocacy in Hong Kong and around the world.

Close to 40 business leaders also took part in the Leaders Against Poverty Walk. These included Kenneth K. K. Fok, Vice President of Fok Ying Tung Group; his wife Guo Jingjing; Shirley Yuen, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Bernard Chan, Jacky Chan as well as members of the OTW Advisory Committee. They walked from Sai Kung Pak Tam Chung to the pavilion at the start of High Island Reservoir West Dam, or Sheung Yiu Country Trail respectively, and raised funds to support Oxfam's poverty alleviation work.

OHK is taking measures to ensure a greener event this year. For instance, it has given each participant an ‘Oxfam Trailwalker 35th Anniversary' stainless steel cup to reduce waste such as paper cups and will have green ambassadors stationed at the event to encourage recycling. The organisation estimates that 50,000 fewer paper cups will be used this year.

Bernard Chan said, ‘Completing the 100 km trail in 48 hours requires much perseverance, teamwork and endurance. This “trailwalking spirit” has been passed down through the generations; that's why as we celebrate OTW's 35th anniversary this year, we thank the Gurkhas and everyone who has passed on this event and its spirit to you today. Like our theme “Keep on Trailwalking”, we hope that you will do the same and keep sharing your passion for trailwalking and fighting poverty with those around you.' He also expressed his gratitude to all the guests, walkers, volunteers, donors, and sponsors for their support over the years.

Jacky Chan, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, ‘Last year, AIA announced its role as Principal Sponsor of Oxfam Trailwalker under the brand of “AIA Vitality” for three years. This year, we will field a record-breaking 29 teams comprising 116 staff and financial planners to support the event, and it will again be the largest corporate participant. There will also be more than 200 volunteers from AIA, who will distribute food and supplies along the trail to encourage and cheer on participants. With the “AIA Dare to Challenge Award” again this year, we continue to recognise the outstanding performance of first-time participants, echoing the theme: “Keep on Trailwalking”. Through our comprehensive support of this annual hiking fundraiser, we are delivering on our brand promise as “The Real Life Company” by helping people live healthier, better and happier lives.'

OTW has become OHK's flagship fundraiser and one of the largest fundraising hiking events in Hong Kong. The event is supported by various sponsors, including AIA Vitality, the Principal Sponsor. Since 1986, more than 93,000 trailwalkers have participated and raised over HK$500 million to support Oxfam's poverty alleviation work all over the world.

For more information about Oxfam Trailwalker, please visit: http://www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk/

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/oxfamtrailwalkerhk

Oxfam Trailwalker (previously called ‘Trailwalker') began in Hong Kong in 1981 as a military training exercise for the elite Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment. In 1986, Oxfam Hong Kong was invited to co-organise the event and in the same year the event was open to the public. Along with the retreat of the Gurkhas in 1997, Oxfam Hong Kong took over the event. Through the years, Oxfam Trailwalker has become one of the largest fundraising and hiking events, and it is now held in 15 cities in nine countries including Australia, Belgium, England, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and Hong Kong.

Oxfam is a worldwide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty.

AIA Vitality is a game changing wellness programme which redefines the traditional concept of insurance, aims to reward customers to live a healthy lifestyle. Purchase any AIA Vitality selected insurance product and receive an instant 10% premium discount* and an array of rewards and discounts from our partners. Simply being active in daily life and having a healthy diet, customers can earn points and upgrade their status for more discounts and rewards.

*The premium discount is only applicable to AIA Vitality selected insurance products. Please visit AIA Hong Kong's website aia.com.hk - ‘AIA Vitality'.

For AIA enquiries, please contact:
Kevin Chan
Bentley Communications Limited
Phone: (852) 3960 1903
Email: kevinchan@bentleyhk.com