Winnie’s Story: A Tale of Courage and Renewal in Hong Kong
Submitted by Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW)
Winnie arrived in Hong Kong in 2008, carrying a quiet resolve and a heart tuned to care. She started in Tsuen Wan, tending to children with patience and warmth, navigating the mix of joyful moments and rough days. Over the years, she learned to balance many duties, and though she faced challenges — busy schedules, distant families, and the strain of watching over others—she kept faith in the goodness she offered with every gesture.
Her path led her to Tai Po, Wang Fuk Court, where she cared for an elderly couple for more than two years. It was Winnie’s first elderly-care assignment, a world of new languages, routines, and a kitchen that demanded constant adaptation. On weekends, the family gatherings brought noise and love; Winnie cooked, listened, and learned the rhythms that kept the home feeling like a shared space. Doubt crept in at times- “Am I doing enough?”—but the elderly woman reassured her, saying, “We will renew the contract,” a promise that carried her through the toughest days.
The challenge was not only to feed and assist, but to safeguard health and dignity. Winnie learned to balance salty and sweet flavors, to notice subtle changes in appetite, to keep the elderly comfortable and safe. Yet her heart always wandered back to the children she once watched over, the sounds of laughter that reminded her why she stayed.
The day of the tragic Tai Po fire in Wang Fuk Count changed everything.
A routine Wednesday afternoon turned into a life-altering event for Winnie, the elderly couple, and their family. The male elder, in his 70s had already set out for his daily errands to visit his grandson, while the grandmother and Winnie prepared for the evening. What began as a normal day soon became a desperate fight to escape a blaze that consumed their building.
According to Winnie, the scene escalated rapidly: “We went outside to see with the neighbors and when we realized that the fire is too big, we went up to take the important things. Before 3 PM, we went up to get something, and before I went down, I knocked on all the doors, and grandma keeps on knocking the door, rushing me to go.” They cleared others from danger, including ensuring doors were checked and lives were prioritized over belongings.
The chaos surrounding the building underscored a shared fear: “There are people crying and very scary, crying, the elderly’s daughter and family keep calling and asking if we are okay and confirmed we went down.” Some residents returned in tears, desperate to rescue loved ones still inside.
A Night of Unsettled Rest
By about 10 o’clock at night, the elderly couple sought safety at their daughter’s home, but Winnie could not stay there long-term. She and other migrant domestic workers, spent the night in a temporary dormitory in Tai Po, the sounds of the fire lingering in their minds. Winnie described the experience vividly: “We watched the fire burn until 12 AM, smell burnt, watching the building. We could not sleep the whole night; every time I closed my eyes I see the fire.”
The day’s emotional toll was compounded by a lack of alarms and a sense of vulnerability, “thinking back that there was no fire alarm. I was so nervous.”
Support Arrives: A Path Toward Recovery
The morning after, Winnie found a network of support forming. She, and the broader group, began to receive assistance from the MFMW and Bethune House. The immediate needs were practical and urgent: hot meals, care packs, personal hygiene items, and assistance with immigration concerns as they started the long road to recovery.
Recovery and the journey forward
Health concerns emerged shortly after the fire. A health check revealed Winnie had severe anemia, which her employer supported with ongoing medication and flexibility for medical appointments. The couple’s housing situation was unstable, and the emotional strain was heavy: “I am poor now, nothing left,” the elderly man confessed through tears.
After months of uncertainty and several moves, the family and Winnie agreed to terminate the employment contract so everyone could heal and reclaim space. The parting was painful, but necessary, and the employer’s expressed remorse while recognizing the need for healing. Winnie left with gratitude for the kindness she’d found in the MFMW network.
Finding a new job and building a new life
Thanks to MFMW, Winnie found a new employer and reconnected with a supportive community. She joined activities like dancing, discovering joy and purpose in a circle of friends who encouraged her to try new things and grow. “Very fun, and brave to try for the first time to dance and learn; if you are willing to learn, you can do it,” she says after her first performance, realizing she could inspire others as well. The network helped her secure stability again and provided tangible support—financial assistance, shelter, and easy access to help.
Last words and hope
“If something happens, don’t lose hope, keep fighting.” With MFMW’s ongoing support, she found a path forward, a new home in a caring community, and the confidence to start anew. She encourages others to seek help and keep moving forward.
Winnie’s story is one of endurance, transformation, and collective strength. Her journey proves that even amid tragedy, empowerment grows when we lean on each other, keeping hope alive.