Lisa Cheng’s Special Gift for Her Four Children, Passing on Love for More Than a Decade
“Mom, I hope their dreams can come true.”
Nine-year-old Yuka leans over the dining table. With both hands tightly gripping her pencil, she writes each blessing carefully, letter by letter, on stationery—sending it to a friend far away whom she has never met. In that moment, her mother, Lisa, deeply feels how the “Kids Sponsor Kids” program has kept a love that crosses distance alive in their home for more than ten years.
Lisa’s family’s connection with Plan International began more than ten years ago, with a chance street encounter—at the time, Lisa was not yet a mother. A fundraising ambassador shared stories about children living in poverty in mountainous areas. Although Lisa, an athlete by profession, is bold and determined in the sporting arena, seeing the children’s difficult living conditions in the photos deeply moved her. Without hesitation, she decided to register as a sponsor. After her wedding, when her eldest son Tommy was born, she prepared a special “growing gift” for her son: she enrolled him in the “Kids Sponsor Kids” program in his name. Lisa shared, “I want to pass this love from me to my son, and then from him to even more children who need help.”
The six members of Lisa’s family took part together in “Run for Girls!” 2026, helping to support Rohingya refugee girls.
Learning about stories from afar—and changing attitudes and horizons
More than ten years later, even though she began by sponsoring only in her eldest son’s name, this journey of giving has long become a shared family story. Whenever a letter from Plan International appears, Lisa would gather her four children—Tommy, Jeremy, Euphy, and Yuka—to read it together. She would point to the photos and helps them see how the children far away grow year after year: “Do you remember how tall they were last year? They’ve grown so much this year!”
The letters share small details about the communities where the sponsored children live, allowing her children to truly connect with another side of the world: “They walk thirty minutes to school every day. If they get sick, they have to go even farther to reach a hospital.” The children came to understand that living in Hong Kong is not something they should take for granted—it is a form of happiness. Over years and years, the four children have grown together alongside the children far away. Through the process, they learn to cherish, to be content, and they develop a spirit of wanting to help others.
Lisa recalled, “At first, the children were shy and didn’t really know how to express their feelings. But slowly, they became more and more proactive. Sometimes they even suddenly offered responses that were so thoughtful: ‘Should we donate books and sanitary pads to them?’ ‘Their shoes are very old—do we have shoes at home we can give away?’” This empathy that comes from the heart is the most precious change the “Kids Sponsor Kids” program has brought to the children.
Small shoulders carry equality and dreams
In the four children’s hearts, the responsibility of “sponsoring” has taught them to think about bigger issues. What surprised Lisa most was that even her younger son Jeremy, at a young age, felt a sense of responsibility toward the word “equality.” He once seriously asked his mother why girls are especially vulnerable to harm. Later, Jeremy found the answers when he took part in activities at Plan International focused on girls’ rights. He came to understand that many things are unfair in the world, and he reflected: “When girls face unfair situations, they can’t do what they want to do, and they can’t live happily.” Imagining the situation of disadvantaged girls made him feel sad, and he hoped everyone could do their part to change inequality.
Earlier on, the children wrote letters together to sponsored child in Nepal. Jeremy shared, full of joy: “I’m so happy I can write letters! I told him, ‘I wish you good luck and a wonderful day.’ I really hope they can live happily.”
While writing his letter, Jeremy—eagerly—waited for the children far away to receive his blessings.
As the eldest brother, Tommy looked serious as he wrote encouragement quietly. Second daughter Euphy was filled with curiosity, carefully observing every detail in the photos. Third daughter Yuka beamed with joy, “I’m proud of myself! Because it’s the first time I’ve written a letter to wish them that their lives can be a bit better. I hope their dreams come true. I hope they can go to school, and later do the jobs they want to do.”
Sponsoring children is not only an act of kindness from parents—in the eyes of the four children, it is also hope they pass along themselves, helping them understand that even when they are young, they still have the ability to bring a little light to the world.
Growing together—and feeling the joy of sharing
For Lisa and her four children, the program is not just about “donation.” It is a profound lesson in life. Lisa jokes that the children now watch out for one another, and proactively remind each other not to waste things. Small matters that once required constant nagging from their mother have now become self-driven habits. “I think they truly understand the meaning of ‘being grateful for your blessings,’” Lisa said with feeling.
She also sincerely encourages other parents to join this meaningful program: “Everyone has different strengths, but don’t underestimate your own small power. Your love can help many people. And you—and your child—will feel that joy too.”
With just HK$8 a day, you can do the same as Lisa: Sponsor a child far away in your child’s name, allowing two different lives to grow up together beyond distance.
Through the “Kids Sponsor Kids” program, your donation directly helps children in developing countries improve their lives and provides basic support such as access to education, healthcare, and clean drinking water. Your children can also learn about the situation of the sponsored children through letters and annual reports, and they can take part in parent-child workshops and volunteer activities with priority.
With Just $8/Day, Sponsor a Child in The Name of Your Child
