Weez Walk 2024 Celebrates 820+ Participants
A Record High Since Its Inauguration in 2021
Over HK$1.85 Millioin Raised to Support Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Communities Across Different Fields United for the Same Purpose
[28 March 2024, Hong Kong] Weez Walk's philosophy is to build an inclusive and resilient community. Since its inception, Weez Project and KELY Support Group (“KELY”, collectively with Weez Project as “Weez Walk Organisers” or “the Organisers”) have been firmly committed to fundraising for critical suicide prevention programmes, and creating broader awareness and conversations around youth mental wellbeing. This year, Weez Walk 2024 (or “the Walk”) recorded a total of over 820 participants - a record high since its inauguration in 2021. Income has added up to over HK$1.85 million, which will all go towards KELY’s youth mental health initiatives.
The Weez Walk 2024 Wrap Up Celebration & Prize Presentation Ceremony (or “the Ceremony”) was held on 22 March 2024 (Friday) to celebrate this year’s success and to show the Organisers’ appreciation for generous supporters.
Bringing the Community Together for One Cause
Mr. Tony Bruno, Co-founder of Weez Project and Board Member of KELY Support Group, marked the exceptional results of Weez Walk 2024 at the Ceremony during his opening speech. “While the numbers have been truly amazing, the event has always been more about bringing the community together, and raising awareness on youth mental health and suicide prevention for me.” He urged all guests to continue to spread the message throughout the year.
Ms. Sky Siu, Executive Director of KELY Support Group, was also present at the event, and shared her own struggle with mental health. “It would have been very hard for me if I did not have friends to call and cheer me up. Facing all these emotions as an adult was difficult enough, I cannot imagine how hard it would be if I were a teenager again, and having to face this alone.” She said that the recent experience has given her epiphany on the importance of KELY’s work in the community, and how we can all do more to support youth mental health.
Guests attending the Ceremony came from many fields across the community. From high school students to seasoned businessmen, from artists to lawyers, all were gathered to show their support for Weez Walk 2024 and youth mental health. Special acknowledgements were given to the Platinum Sponsor, FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited; IN ONE GO Challenge Sponsor, King & Wood Mallesons; Stage Sponsors, Allen & Overy, Bank of Montreal, Robertsons and St. James Place Charitable Foundation. Acknowledgement was also given to StudioKT for producing a wrap up video for Weez Walk 2024, which was premiered at the ceremony. Full sponsor list is provided in the appendix.
A Union Across Hong Kong to Support Youth Mental Health
Also present at the event was Erin Hung, an esteemed artist who created the Weez Art Mind, Body, Spirit, which has been on display at Stanley Plaza. In addition to her inspiration for the art piece, she also commented on the importance of having friends to support our mental health journey. At the Ceremony, some of the Weez Art pieces accumulated over the years were put up for a silent auction to raise more funds to further KELY’s programmes and services on youth mental health. Details of the auction items can be found at bit.ly/WeezArtAuction_EN.
Dedicated Weez Walk supporter, Naoko Wada-Thomas, was also invited to share her story with guests at the event. She has joined Weez Walk for two years in-a-row, and is the 1st Runner-up in the Best Timing - Individual (Female) category this year. As a school teacher, she promoted Weez Walk to her students, and has inspired her students to start a running club of their own to support the mental health of their fellow students and loved ones.
Eric Alegre, first-timer at Weez Walk, also shared his experience. “The reason why I joined Weez Walk was to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention as well as to prove to myself that I could overcome something that I felt was impossible. As someone who is not an avid trail runner, completing the Weez Walk 60+ km in one go was the most challenging thing I've ever done, but it also gave me a monumental sense of accomplishment. I’m looking forward to doing it again and bringing more people with me!”
“Weez Walk 2024 is coming to an end tonight. We will take some time for evaluation, but I have no doubt that we will be full-on, dedicating ourselves to Weez Walk 2025 in no time. I wish we will still have everybody’s support when we officially kick-start Weez Walk 2025,” said Mr. Tony Bruno.
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