Oxfam Trailwalker (OTW), one of Hong Kong's largest hiking fundraisers, commenced this morning in Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. Bernard Chan, Oxfam Trailwalker Steering Group Convenor; Michael Wong Wai-lun, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary; Isabella Lau, Chief Customer, Strategy and Transformation Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (OTW's Principal Sponsor); and Madam Lin, a well-known figure who runs a kiosk on Tai Mo Shan, officiated at the opening ceremony.

 

This year, at the 38^th OTW, roughly 1,600 people have set off in hopes of crossing the finish line in Yuen Long within 48 hours. Participants this year include Hong Kong-based elite runner Jeff Campbell (2018 Champion) and his team, top trail runner Wong Ho Chung and his team, and seasoned OTW participant and leader of a senior team, Chan Kwok-keung (KK Chan).

 

Bernard Chan, OTW Steering Group Convenor, said: 'Over the past three years, we at Oxfam Hong Kong have overcome a lot of challenges, but we're finally back with an in-person Oxfam Trailwalker! The Oxfam Trailwalker is extremely crucial to Oxfam's local and global poverty alleviation work. That's why we hope to work together with all of you to fight poverty through every step you take!' He also expressed his gratitude to the more than 1,500 volunteers supporting the event.

 

Isabella Lau, Chief Customer, Strategy and Transformation Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: 'AIA is delighted to be the Principal Sponsor of Oxfam Trailwalker in the name of "AIA Vitality" for the eighth year in a row. The past few years of challenges brought by the pandemic have heightened our awareness of the ever-increasing importance of health, no matter how much the world around us has changed. Our full support of Oxfam Trailwalker exemplifies our commitment to encouraging people to keep up a more active and healthier lifestyle, thus helping them live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.'

 

The OTW starts at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung, and ends at Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp in Yuen Long. About 400 teams must complete the 100 km trail, which runs along the MacLehose Trail and other trails, within 48 hours. This year, over 1,500 volunteers and 15 sponsors are supporting the event.

 

All funds raised through the OTW will go towards Oxfam Hong Kong's (OHK's) poverty alleviation projects, and disaster relief and advocacy work to improve the lives of people living in poverty in Hong Kong and around the world.

 

During the pandemic, OHK's anti-poverty work did not stop – in 2022, it carried out a total of 327 anti-poverty projects in Hong Kong and around the world, and reached nearly 2.2 million people living in poverty.

 

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.

 

Online Tracking: https://oxfamtrailwalkerhk.livetrail.run/
Oxfam Trailwalker website: www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

Oxfam Trailwalker Facebook page: www.facebook.com/oxfamtrailwalkerhk

 

About Oxfam Hong Kong

Oxfam is a global organisation committed to creating a world without poverty through its advocacy, development and humanitarian work.

 

AIA Vitality is a game changing wellness programme that redefines the traditional concept of insurance and aims to reward customers to live a healthy lifestyle. By simply being active in daily life and having a healthy diet, customers can earn points and upgrade their status to enjoy either more premium discounts or extra cover, and a number of exciting rewards. For details and offers of AIA Vitality, please visit aia.com.hk/aiavitality.