Adeel Malik
As we continue to be tested with social distancing from the pandemic, the poverty bar continues to be increased too, which should in turn push those who are able to help, do more.
An elderly half-Chinese and half-Pakistani Muslim by the name of Ahmed Khan (WhatsApp for food donors – 5368 6986) is doing his bit of providing a simple yet effective means of giving a helping hand to those who need it. He has the inspiring Blue Fridge Project ongoing for some time now, we at MCHK caught up with him as his project went viral on social media as well as mainstream media, Alhumdulilah.
1) What is the Blue Fridge project all about and how long have you been doing it?
“For more than 16 months, Hong Kong has been suffering from big economy crisis caused by politics, economy and Covid-19. (A number of ) shops and companies, service providers, etc have closed down leading to sharp rising of unemployment rate.
The idea of the Blue Fridge project was purely to provide a home felt environment for the needy to get what they need at the same time preserving their dignity like simply getting something from a fridge, which is a necessity at every household.
The fridge was put outside Shaheen Hockey Academy since 13th November.”
2) What inspired you to do this?
“Being a Muslim, I learnt the importance of giving unconditionally as a daily practice to help and support another human being.
In March 2020, the thought of giving food arose but then it was held back by some safety concerns as steel racks was supposed to be used. Until recently when I watched a movie namely “I’m Living It” starring by Aaron Kwok, in which a fridge showed up for the street sleepers to get the fruits put in by the fruit sellers.
I then decided to use the similar idea and asked my neighbor (a workman at the rubbish collection centre) to give me an old fridge. The next day the fridge was there! It so happened that I’ve had some paint leftovers so I painted it up in blue as I’m sure everyone likes to see a “blue sky”.”
3) How has the Hong Kong people felt about this?
“The project went viral through social media coverage and it has probably awakened the flame of love hiding deeply within us, with more and more people came and left food or supplies for the “blue fridge” to continue.”
4) How long do you hope to keep this going and why do you think it’s important for others to do this too?
“Basically I don’t want this to continue for long since if no one comes for food, then this is a reflection of a better economy.
Of course, it’s only a dream as we all know it might take a few years for the economy to recover fully. Before that, just imagine if all 18 districts in Hong Kong got at least 5-10 fridges in their district, I’m sure Hong Kong will become a city full of caring love.
Being a Muslim in Hong Kong, I do hope our Muslims community could do more to our brothers and sisters who are in need of help.
I once saw a Muslim go into a Church for food and/or supplies, I don’t mean they shouldn’t do this but weren’t we supposed to be the one to offer them help initially? If other religious groups have been helping our brothers, is it now about time for us to do something more?”
