This year THE ONE Humanitarian Award, which was founded by Hone Kong-based philanthropist Dr. David Harileia, celebrates 10 years of serving humanity.
To date, the award has honored 63 heroes and donated over US$3 million to these causes and humanitarian projects that provide vital, life-saving resources to those in need. Over 300,000 lives have been impacted and transformed in countries across the globe.
Founded in 2012, THE ONE Humanitarian Award was created to empower and reward extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others to alleviate pain, suffering, poverty and hunger.
Its flagship title, THE ONE International, has honored heroes from far-flung regions including Ethiopia, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal, to name a few.
The Award has since expanded its reach and launched local awards in Hong Kong(2015), followed by the Philippines (2018). The winners from these individual country awards automatically qualify as semi-finalists for the International Award the following year, allowing THE ONE to create an even wider network of heroes across the globe.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, THE ONE Humanitarian Award hosted its annual fundraising gala dinner on November 15, 2023, at The Holiday Inn Golden Mile. Dr. Chiara Castellani won THE ONE International 2023 award, with a bonus of US$100,000; Dr. Czarina Leung won THE ONE Hong Kong 2023 award, with HK$500,000. Nominees of the International award received US$50,000, while those of the HK award received HK$150,000.
Finalists for THE ONE International include Dr. Chiara Castellani, an Italian doctor providing lifesaving health education in war-torn regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Eugenio Scannavino Netto, a doctor who helps and empowers isolated communities in the Brazilian Amazon; and philanthropist Kushil Gunasekera who is creating social change and opportunities for rural communities in Sri Lanka.
THE ONE Hong Kong finalists include Amy Chan, a youth advocate who is inspiring the next generation to become valuable members of society; Dr. Czarina Leung, whose goal is to create a more equitable and inclusive society through health education; and Tommy Lau, an inspiring role model and mentor to people with disabilities.
