Empowering the Elderly: Kenneth Choi’s Vision at Gingko House
Feeding the elderly for free while giving them jobs is more than a mission for Kenneth Choi Man-kin; it’s a transformative journey he has embarked on through his work with Gingko House.
With over 15 years of dedication, Choi has successfully turned a modest Hong Kong restaurant chain into a thriving social enterprise that not only provides jobs but also nurtures a sense of purpose for the elderly.
Building a Flourishing Social Enterprise
Gingko House employs more than 300 staff members, with an average age of 68, across its six branches. The restaurant chain focuses on serving healthy food, which is complemented by an organic farm and a commercial bakery that produces baked goods.
- Choi, as the Director of Business Development, combines his entrepreneurial spirit with a profound social mission.
“Our goal is to give seniors not only an income, not just a job, but also a sense of purpose and dignity,” he says.
Acknowledging Impact: Spirit of Hong Kong Awards
Choi’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. He has been shortlisted for this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the entrepreneurship category.
These awards, co-organised by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group, honour remarkable individuals whose efforts might otherwise remain in the shadows.
Beyond Business: Addressing Elderly Needs
Choi’s commitment goes far beyond business growth. For over eight years, he has collaborated with a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping the elderly manage their financial and emotional needs.
In 2016, he launched the “Love Project”, encouraging patrons to buy mooncakes baked by elderly workers for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The mooncakes are then donated to other seniors in need.
- “We wanted to offer seniors more than just food; something they could truly enjoy,” Choi explains.
- “Mooncakes, a traditional delicacy for the Mid-Autumn Festival, provided our supporters with a meaningful way to give back.”
Growth Through Community Support
The overwhelming support from the community led to the establishment of Gingko House’s first commercial bakery last year.
- This bakery produces more than 80,000 mooncakes annually, giving them out for free while selling others to cover operational costs.
- The Love Project has since expanded to run more than four times a year during major holidays, featuring volunteer activities where families help make and distribute mooncakes to street sleepers and elderly residents living alone.
“Such activities foster a strong sense of community spirit and ensure that the joy of the festive season reaches those who need it most,” Choi says.
Adapting to Challenges: Innovative Solutions
The pandemic presented significant challenges, particularly concerning food distribution during periods of social distancing. To adapt, Choi installed vending machines in low-income neighbourhoods to distribute meals and personal protective equipment.
- “I believe the distribution network can be expanded further by partnering with other organisations to provide a wider range of essential supplies,” he notes.
- “My long-term goal is to have vending machines installed in every district so that beneficiaries can access food and other essential items 24 hours a day.”
Ensuring Accessibility and Equity
To guarantee that only eligible beneficiaries receive meals, Choi has developed a robust vetting process. This includes:
- An interview with social workers
- Photo verification
This meticulous system ensures that recipients can only pick up one meal per person, preventing abuse of the service.
The Power of Partnerships
Choi also highlights the significance of forming strategic partnerships with the private sector.
- “When different organisations share values, collaboration becomes easier and more effective,” he emphasises.
This collaborative spirit is crucial for expanding the reach of social enterprises like Gingko House, ensuring that they can have a lasting impact.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he would give to other social entrepreneurs, Choi shares a simple yet profound insight:
- “Be agile. Think creatively to adapt to changes and explore how you can maximise your social impact while remaining commercially viable.”
This mindset is essential in today’s rapidly changing environment, particularly for those working at the intersection of business and social good.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
Kenneth Choi’s journey with Gingko House illustrates the profound impact of marrying social responsibility with entrepreneurship.
- By feeding the elderly for free while giving them jobs, he is not just changing lives; he is reshaping the community and setting a powerful example for others to follow.
The work at Gingko House is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets creativity and determination.
