Many Hong Kong people celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, but there is not a day for the whole family in Hong Kong. In view of this, the FAMILY Project initiated the “Family Day”, which is on the 2nd Sunday after Mother’s Day each year. To encourage celebration of “Family Day”, we organised a rich series of events under the “Family Day 2016” campaign. One of these events even created a world record!

“Family Day 2016” was a multi-sectoral collaboration among academia, health, social service and business sectors. To kick-start this large-scale celebration, the FAMILY Project held a press conference on “Announcement of Family Day 2016 cum Survey of Mother’s Day and Family Day Celebration in Hong Kong”. The questionnaire survey results showed that Hong Kong people strongly supported the establishment of “Family Day” in Hong Kong. Various events under the “Family Day 2016” were also announced at the press conference. The events were divided into three main themes, namely “Family Day Fun Fair”, “Family Day @ Community” and “Family Day – Shopping Fun”.

“Family Day Fun Fair”, our signature event, was held on the day of “Family Day” (2016 May 22), which attracted thousands of citizens to participate. Highlight of the event was the breaking of a Guinness World Record of the world’s largest “Family” pattern assembled with water bottle dumbbells. The pattern, measures 10m x 10m and assembled with 2,700 orange and purple water bottle dumbbells, was achieved by family members from different communities. Also at the Fun Fair were Zero Time Exercise competitions, game stalls and photo-taking activities for families to enjoy the happy moments together.

During the campaign period (from April to June), an array of “Family Day @ Community” activities were organised across all 18 districts in the city. “Family Photo and Video Online Sharing Competition” with fabulous prizes was held to remind people to take more photos with their family members; street booths were set up to “collect smiles” from families; and free instant family portrait shooting service was provided to capture the memorable moments spent with family. These heart-warming family photos were made into a collage and showcased to the public at photo exhibitions. Furthermore, we held mobile handcraft workshops to encourage people to make little gifts as an expression of love and gratitude to their family.

To further encourage the public to spend more quality time with their family, such as shopping and eating together, “Family Day – Shopping Fun” was held with the theme of “Clothing, Dining, Living, and Commuting”. It gained strong support from the commercial sector with participation from nearly 700 retail outlets, brands and restaurants. Different kinds of discounts, offers or rewards were provided upon purchase / patronage at shops / restaurants with the “Family Day” label.

The “Family Day 2016” campaign was well participated by members of the public and received positive feedback from many sectors of the community. We hope that “Family Day” will soon become one of the most important festivals in Hong Kong, and help strengthen family bond and enhance FAMILY Health, Happiness and Harmony (3Hs)!

Family Day – Fun Fair
Family members collectively broke a Guinness World Record by creating the world’s largest “Family” pattern assembled with water bottle dumbbells.

Family Day – Fun Fair
Guinness World Records certificate – The largest dumbbell mosaic achieved by FAMILY Project

Family Day – Fun Fair
The venue was packed with thousands of participants.

Family Day – Fun Fair
Activities of the game stalls were both entertaining and educational.

Family Day – Fun Fair
(From sixth left in the second row) Officiating guests Professor Lam Tai Hing, Principal Investigator, FAMILY Project; Professor Sophia Chan Siu Chee, Acting Secretary for Food and Health; and Ms. Imelda Chan, Head of Charities (Grant Making – Elderly, Rehabilitation, Medical, Environment & Family), The Hong Kong Jockey Club, took a group photo with representatives of supporting organisations from social service and business sectors.

Family Day – Smile Collection
Street booths were set up across different districts to “collect smiles” from families.

Family Day – Let’s Photo Shoot
Free family photo-taking service was provided to families.

Family Day – Handcraft Workshops
Participants made little gifts as an expression of love to their family members.

Family Day – Shopping Fun
At the shops and restaurants with “Family Day” logo, members of the public could enjoy different kinds of discounts or offers.

Family Day – Press Conference
“Announcement of Family Day 2016 cum Survey of Mother’s Day and Family Day Celebration in Hong Kong” press conference

Family Day – Press Conference
A group photo of officiating guests (from fifth left in the second row) Ms. Angie Lai, Service Head, Family Service, Caritas Hong Kong; Ms. Imelda Chan, Head of Charities (Grant Making – Elderly, Rehabilitation, Medical, Environment & Family), The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Professor Lam Tai Hing, Principal Investigator, FAMILY Project; and Mr. Kelvin Yau, Chairman, Institution of Dining Art, as well as representatives of supporting organisations from business sector.