Hong Kong Student Aid Society

Brief bibliography of Mr. David G.M. Taylor, founder and first Director of Hong Kong Student Aid Society

In late 1950's, over a million Chinese refugees flocked into Hong Kong and created many social problems, in particular, housing and employment.

At this time, Mr. David G.M. Taylor, founder of the Society, came to Hong Kong from England in 1956. He was a passionate missionary. At the beginning, he worked as an accountant secretary at the Haven of Hope Hospital in Rennie's Mill. He then built a hut at the hillside township of Rennie's Mill. He lived in this small hut whenever possible, but soon found two homeless boys wanted to sleep on the porch at night. He gave his permission and soon there were more. So, in these humble circumstances, our work for the underprivileged children of Hong Kong started and that was in 1957.

Mr. Taylor, later assisted by a small Committee of dedicated friends like Mr. Mauldon and other missionaries, provided residential care and basic necessities to children in need.

Not until 1958, an Advisory Committee was formed to advise on how a gradual expansion of new services could be organized and financed. Mr. Taylor was formally appointed as the first Director of the Society.

As no support was available from the Government, Mr. Taylor worked wholeheartedly with other Committee members to solicit funding from churches and organizations in Hong Kong and overseas. In 1959, with the generous support from the British Council of Churches, the building work of a hostel at Rennie's Mill, which could cater for 60 children, was completed. The hostel was named Mark Memorial Home, in memory of Mark, one of the first students, who heroically gave his life to save his brothers and sisters from China.

Mr. Taylor retired in 1975 but he still actively involved in charity work for the underprivileged children. Although he was half blind at old ages, he still kept working voluntarily for refugees. He constantly visited South East Asia countries like Vietnam and assisted the establishment of education grant services to deprived children. His whole life exemplified the Bible teaching "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

Mr. Taylor died peacefully on November 30, 2005 in his own hometown, Stevenage, Britain.

“Florence Nightingale” of Mark Memorial Home
Auntie “Lovise” Haraldstad

A Norwegian lady full of mission and love of God andmankind who served as Missionary Nurse in Mark Memorial Home between 1970 and 1989.

“…She's like a mother, taking the best possible careof the children in the Home. She made clothes for them…listened patiently to their grievances about lives and schooling…Working non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week voluntarily without pay……”………”

“…She worked extremely hard in seeking donations from churchesin Norway.She also helped lining up the children of the Home with their “Parents in Norway”.

“….Out of her own pockets, she bought vitamin pills, clothing and beddings for those in need. In 1988, with donations gathered from Norway, she helped to acquire a burnt building by the side of the Home and, rebuilt it into a place for recreational purposes of the children. ….She did everything quietly in the name of Our Lord. A recipient of the Caltex social award, she donated all $100,000 on the relocation of Mark Memorial Home from Rennie's Mill to Tseung Kwan O…….”

One who chose to give his life – Phillip Liu

A young, devoted residential social worker of Island Hostel,Phillip led the boys of the hostel for an outing on 19 July 1985. One of the boys accidentally dropped into the catch-water of the nearby Shek Pik Reservoir. With no hesitation, Phillip threw himself into the water and as a result gave his life.

The two co-workers have left us for many years. Yet, their unconditional love for our children remains, serving as a constant reminder to the agency's co-workers!