CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team x Trailsweeper: Tsuen Wan hiking trails clean-up

The hiking trails in Hong Kong undoubtedly offer breathtaking scenery. However, these trails often face littering issues, which tarnish the beauty of the surroundings and pose environmental and hygiene concerns. According to statistics from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, a staggering 2,700 tonnes of rubbish were cleared from the country parks in 2023, equivalent to the weight of 168 double-decker buses.

To raise environmental awareness and protect the natural environment, the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team collaborated with Trailsweeper again to hold a hiking trail cleaning event in Tsuen Wan on 6 December 2024. The event attracted 29 colleagues from The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Information Technology Division, all eager to contribute to environmental protection through practical action. Under the guidance of leaders and ambassadors from Trailsweeper, CARE volunteers set off from Allway Gardens, passing through the Tai Lam Chung Catchwater Section and the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail, ultimately ascending Ha Fa Shan before returning via the route through Yau Kom Tau Village, reaching their final destination at Bayview Garden. The total trail length was nearly four kilometres, taking more than two hours, during which the volunteers successfully cleared five kilogrammes of rubbish.

This trail was relatively easy, allowing participants to enjoy the beauty of nature while cleaning up litter. Some volunteers shared that it is often difficult to connect with environmental issues while working in the office. However, when they picked up cigarette butts, food packaging, tissues, plastic bags, disposable raincoats and masks during the clean up activity, they realised and reflected on the negative impact that waste generated in daily life has on the environment.

This event not only enhanced participants' environmental awareness but also promoted the "Take Your Litter Home" initiative. The CARE Team hopes that through such activities, more people could be inspired to engage in environmental actions and protect Hong Kong's natural environment collectively.