David Akers-Jones - Benevolent Work

Benevolent Work

Akers-Jones is involved with, whether in the capacity of chairman, president, vice-president or otherwise, Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation, the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association, the local chapter of Outward Bound, the Hong Kong Football Association, Worldwide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, Operation Smile China and English Speaking Union (Hong Kong)

The Bridge to China (BTC) foundation, or Wu Zhi Qiao, is a charitable, non-profit organization based in Hong Kong that is dedicated to building footbridges in rural mainland China. The organization started in 2005 as a collaborative effort between the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Xi’an Jiaotong University to build a single footbridge across the Po River in Gansu province. Because of their hard work, local villagers were able to walk safely across the river to access markets, schools, and the outside world without fear of slipping, falling, or being washed away during rainy seasons.

BTC was officially inaugurated in 2007, and it was bestowed with the mission to mobilize university students, professionals, and volunteers to build sustainable bridges that not only improve the lives of villagers, but also inspire younger generations to help the needy. By having students build the bridges, there is a cultural exchange which inspires appreciation, respect, and preservation of the villagers’ culture. The foundation has since flourished, forming partnerships with 17 universities in China, Hong Kong, and the United States.