Manulife Hong Kong and Just Feel Champion Emotional Well-being with Pioneering 'My Flag Day'

Hong Kong witnessed a groundbreaking event this past Saturday, September 14, 2024, as Manulife Hong Kong teamed up with the acclaimed charity Just Feel to launch "My Flag Day." This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone as the city's very first flag day exclusively dedicated to fostering emotional well-being, aiming to shine a spotlight on mental health and raise crucial funds for support services targeting children and adolescents.

The streets of Hong Kong buzzed with purpose as over a thousand enthusiastic volunteers, including students and families, joined forces with Manulife and Just Feel.

Each participant played a vital role in collecting donations, proudly displaying unique flags adorned with vibrant, emotion-themed designs. These distinctive flags were not merely collection items; they served as conversation starters, encouraging the public to openly acknowledge and discuss emotions – a crucial step towards destigmatizing mental health conversations.

"At Manulife, we believe that emotional well-being is just as vital as physical health.

Our enduring partnership with Just Feel is a testament to our shared commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient Hong Kong," stated Patrick Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where individuals, especially the youth, feel empowered to express their feelings and seek help without hesitation.

The proceeds from "My Flag Day" are earmarked to bolster Just Feel's impactful "Social Emotional Learning Programme" (SEL), which is meticulously integrated into schools.

Dr. Suen Yiu-ting, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Just Feel, highlighted the transformative power of SEL. "This programme is designed to equip students with invaluable life skills: understanding and managing their emotions, building strong relationships, making responsible decisions, and ultimately achieving their personal aspirations.

By bringing emotional well-being to the forefront through initiatives like 'My Flag Day,' we are actively building a supportive community that prioritizes the emotional health of our next generation."

Manulife's commitment to Just Feel's SEL programme dates back to 2021, showcasing a sustained dedication to nurturing emotional intelligence in young people.

"My Flag Day" is a natural evolution of this partnership, amplifying its reach and impact across the city. By encouraging open dialogue about emotions and making help more accessible, both organizations hope to cultivate a generation that is not only academically strong but also emotionally intelligent and resilient.

The success of "My Flag Day" is a vibrant illustration of how corporate and charitable efforts can converge to make a profound difference.

It underscores the collective responsibility to address emotional well-being head-on, ensuring that every child and adolescent in Hong Kong has the resources and support needed to navigate their emotional landscape and thrive.