LSC Class of 1984 40th Anniversary Fundraising FAQ

Welcome to the FAQ for the LSC Class of 1984 40^th Anniversary Fundraising campaign. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about our fundraising efforts. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Fundraising Committee.

1. Why does La Salle College need donations?

   As a government-aided school, La Salle College follows the Hong Kong curriculum and relies on funding from the Hong Kong Education Bureau which only covers operational costs and standardized items of a school. However, several critical areas that fall outside the scope of the government funding:

   • major construction and renovation,
   • specialized equipment and facilities,
   • extracurricular programs beyond the basics,
   • teacher professional development,
   • student scholarships and awards.
    

   These non-standard items are not covered by government funds, necessitating additional financial support. For instance, the “New Campus” is actually 44 years old and has aging facilities that require renovation and maintenance. By securing private donations, La Salle College can stay competitive and provide an enriched learning environment for its students.

2. What other sources of alternate funding does La Salle College receive?

   La Salle College receives alternate funding from three main sources:

   • Direct Cash Donations: These mainly come from individual Old Boys who contribute directly to the school.
   • La Salle College Foundation Limited: A registered charitable organization committed to advancing education at La Salle College and La Salle Primary School.
   • Cash Donations from Graduating Classes: Alumni from different graduating classes also contribute to the school’s financial well-being.
    

3. Hasn’t the Class of 1984 made donations to La Salle before?

   While individual Old Boys have contributed over the years, the Class of 1984 has not had a concerted effort to make a significant financial donation over the last 40 years after our graduation. As we celebrate our 40^th anniversary, we have an opportunity to join hands in making a meaningful donation to our alma mater through the La Salle Foundation.

   1. Giving Back: A La Salle Tradition
      As La Sallians, we have a tradition of supporting our alma mater. Major milestone anniversaries, like our 40^th anniversary, offer a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Your contributions directly impact current and future La Salle students, enriching their educational journey. While individual donations are valuable, a concerted effort by our entire class can create a more significant impact. Whatever the amount you decide to give, we want this campaign to involve all of our 1984 classmates, ensuring our financial donations at this milestone are impactful and can contribute meaningfully to the young La Sallians who come after us.
       
   2. Previous Contributions
      The Class of 1984 has made various donations over the years, including:
      • The electronic sports scoreboard for La Salle Primary School
      • Ten round tables for La Salle College at our 35th anniversary
       

      To support the 'Run into the Future' campaign, we raised HK$20,000 last year from a few donors in our class to sponsor two laps of the campaign, which equated to 1.25% of the total donations of that campaign.

   3. Observing Other Classes
      While donations are not meant to be a competition, it’s useful to reference what other classes have done. Another Class collected $300,000 donation for the “Run into the Future” campaign which was an inspiration.
       
   4. Unique Class Spirit
      This is our first concerted effort coinciding with a major milestone--our 40^th anniversary of graduation. We wish this fundraising campaign can demonstrate the togetherness and class spirit of the LSC 1984ers. Our 40^th anniversary provides an excellent opportunity to rekindle that spirit and give back to the alma mater.
    

4. How Will Our Donation Be Used?

   La Salle College is nearing the completion of an ambitious project called the “Smart Classroom.” This initiative aims to upgrade all classrooms by equipping them with modern teaching and presentation equipment. Each classroom’s upgrade costs HKD200,000.

   After finding more information about this project, the 1984 Fundraising Committee has decided after a few meetings that HKD200,000 of the donations received will be used to sponsor the costs of one Smart Classroom. The school has given us the classroom of Form 4F. A plaque acknowledging that its enhancement as Smart Classroom has been made possible through the sponsorship of the Class of 1984 will be prominently displayed outside the 4F classroom.

   Here’s a sample picture of the plaque:
   
   (The name ‘Class of 1984’ will replace the current plaque.)

5. Could you share more info about the Smart Classroom?

   The Smart Classroom aligns with the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) initiative which started some years ago, where students bring their own devices (tablets, laptops etc.) to class. By integrating technology, the Smart Classroom fosters active learning, increasing student engagement and making learning more enjoyable. Stronger engagement and participation coupled with visual aids, multimedia and real-time collaboration should also improve comprehension and retention.

   Key Features of the Smart Classroom:

    

   1. Interactive Smartboards: The traditional projector screen is replaced by two interactive smartboards. These cutting-edge displays allow teachers to engage students dynamically. Some of our members have seen a presentation of how the smartboards can significantly enhance interactive teaching.
       
   2. Glass Panel in Place of Chalkboard: The old chalkboard is replaced by a large glass panel. This modernizes the classroom aesthetics and improves visibility and air quality.
       
   3. Movable Desks and Chairs: Heavy wooden furniture is swapped for lightweight, movable desks and chairs. Teachers can rearrange the seating layout to accommodate different activities (group work, presentations, etc.). The classroom can transform from lecture-style to collaborative spaces effortlessly.
       

   The Smart Classroom isn’t just about upgrading physical infrastructure; it’s about transforming the learning environment to meet the needs of today’s students.

   

6. What are the other initiatives at school?

   La Salle College is continually seeking to enhance its educational environment through various improvements and initiatives. Here are a few projects that our donation can support:

   1. New Water Purification System and Drinking Fountains: The installation of water purification systems on each floor promotes student health and hydration. Offering hot, cold, and room temperature water caters to individual preferences while reducing plastic waste. This initiative encourages students to stay hydrated and supports environmentally friendly practices. We understand that HKD50,000 can buy three water purification systems.
       
   2. STEM Program: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM Education has many benefits. It encourages critical thinking, fosters creativity and innovation, and emphasizes practical skills applicable to real-life situations. There are many STEM activities that we may consider supporting.
       
   3. La Salle Foundation: Ensuring Long-Term Support: Unless commitment is made to other projects, donations raised beyond the Smart Classroom project will go to the La Salle Foundation. The Foundation plays a crucial role in sustaining La Salle’s competitiveness. It ensures ongoing development and excellence of La Salle in education by providing financial support for various projects and initiatives. The campus requires regular maintenance to provide a conducive learning environment. For instance, the artificial turf, which holds cherished memories from our high school years, is undergoing refurbishment after 15 years of use. Maintaining and upgrading facilities ensures that students continue to enjoy a safe and modern educational environment.
       

7. Who are the Volunteers Leading the Fundraising Effort?

   In tandem with the organization of the Class of 1984 40^th Anniversary Reunion event, a dedicated committee was established in March to spearhead the Class of 1984 fundraising initiative. The committee is led by Joseph Kwan, with members consist of Sebastian Chan, Eric Cheung, Sammy Cheung, Eric Li, Chris Mong, Edgar So, and Willie Wong.

   The Class of 1984 Fundraising Committee has been in discussions with the new School Principal, Mr. Steve Leung regarding ways we can support the school. In mid-May, Joseph, Edgar, and Willie attended the Class Coordinators Homecoming event and they saw a presentation of how the smartboards in the Smart Classroom work and the benefits it brings through interactive teaching. It was after the event when the Fundraising Committee decided that part of the donation will be used to pay for the refurbishment of one of the classrooms into a Smart Classroom.

   

8. What's your donation target?

   Our goal for this Class of 1984 40^th anniversary Fundraising Campaign is to raise HK$400,000 or more in honor of four decades of shared memories and camaraderie. With the combined efforts and generosity of our fellow classmates, we aim to leave a lasting legacy for our alma mater.

9. How will the donation from the Class of 1984 be used?

   The Fundraising committee has committed to use HKD200,000 of the donation to pay for the refurbishment costs of the Smart Classroom for Form 4F. Depending on the donation received, the Fundraising committee will continue to explore other meaningful projects that the donation can support. If no commitment is made to other projects, donations raised beyond the Smart Classroom project will be entrusted to the La Salle Foundation.

10. How do I make a donation?

    Please visit this webpage to make the donation. On this webpage you will find all the necessary information and further instructions:

    https://lsc84.org/donation

    At the donation website, you’ll find several convenient methods through which you can contribute:

    1. Bank In directly to La Salle Foundation bank account:

     

    La Salle Foundation Limited

    HSBC Account Number: 004-600-642458-001

     

    If you need to receive receipt for tax purpose, please reach out to any one of our organizing committee.
     
    2. You can also make the donation via the La Salle Foundation website:

     

    https://www.lasallefoundation.com/web/donate_now.php

     

    In this website, you can make the donation either via Master/Visa, or via Mail.  Just follow the instructions.
     
    SPECIAL DONATION INSTRUCTIONS:

     

    For La Salle Foundation to attribute donations to the Class of 1984 Fundraising Campaign, please ensure your donation ends with 84 dollars. For example, if you intend to donate $10,000 (ten thousand dollars), please make it HKD10,084 (ten thousand and eighty-four dollars).

     

    For those making direct transfer from overseas, to help us capture the correct amount of dollars (in whatever currency), please absorb both the sender and receiver bank charges yourself. This ensures that the amount received by La Salle Foundation reflects the correct ending with 84 dollars.

     

    IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT end your donation in 84 cents (e.g., $10,000.84) as the existing system only accepts donations in full dollar denominations.
     

    To help us capture and tabulate the total donations from our Class, as well as cross-check with La Salle Foundation’s account, we would appreciate it if you could fill in the donation information on lsc84.org and upload the transaction slip. (You can remain anonymous even as you fill out the donation information. Submission of your name is optional. You can also cross out your name on the transaction slip upload.)

    Thank you for your cooperation and support in making our fundraising campaign a success!

11. Can I make an anonymous donation?

    Yes, making an anonymous donation is a thoughtful way to contribute while maintaining your privacy. You can choose to make an anonymous donation to the La Salle Foundation. A donor’s right to anonymity is limited only by legal requirements to disclose. Kindly observe the request above and end your donation with 84. You can remain anonymous even as you fill out the donation information on the LSC84 website. Submission of your name is optional. You can also cross out your name on the transaction slip upload.

12. Is the donation tax deductible?

    Donations of HK$100 or above are tax deductible in Hong Kong. The La Salle Foundation can issue a tax-deductible receipt for donations made within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). To obtain the receipt, please request it directly from La Salle Foundation at (https://www.lasallefoundation.com/web/donate_now.php). Please note that such charitable donations may not be accepted by tax authorities of other countries.

    The following is a screen capture from the La Salle Foundation donation website on anonymity and request for tax receipt. Please put “La Salle College” as the Designation. Under Preferences, it does not matter which one you choose.

    

13. How long would this fundraising effort last?

    The fundraising campaign for the Class of 1984 40^th anniversary graduation commemoration will be active from June to November 2024. Having said that, we hope that we would be able to meet our target by 1 September 2024. To be clear, we are not raising funds from the public and we are only appealing to the Class of 1984.

14. I don't live in Hong Kong. How do I actually make a donation then? Can I ask someone to donate on my behalf?

    You can either use your credit card or if you have an account with a bank in Hong Kong, please follow the instructions in the https://lsc84.org/donation for the donation.

    If you do not have any financial vehicles listed above, please liaise with your fellow classmates or friends for them to make a transfer on your behalf. When doing so, please designate the donation amount to end with full 84 dollars to denote our class. If you are willing, please notify us on the site https://lsc84.org/donation once donations have been made.

    We hope most of us can participate in this memorable and meaningful exercise. Remember that every contribution, regardless of the amount, makes a difference in supporting students’ educational goals. Thank you for considering making a positive impact through your donation!

15. Will you update us on donation progress?

    Absolutely! Throughout the fundraising campaign, we’ll keep the Class of 1984 informed about our progress via lsc84.org. You can expect periodic updates, including a dashboard that visually tracks our journey toward reaching the HK$400,000 target. Let’s stay connected and motivated as we work together to make a difference for La Salle!

16. Can I donate at a later time?

    Yes. While individual donations are always possible at time of your choosing, there’s a special significance in making this a collective effort for the Class of 1984 as part of the 40^th anniversary reunion. We hope you would participate and make a donation, irrespective of the amount you wish to pay.

17. Who can I contact for more information?

    For further information, please feel free to reach out to any member of the Fundraising committee.

18. Can I set up a recurring donation?

    While the La Salle Foundation’s donation website currently does not support recurring donations, you can set up a recurring donation arrangement with your local bank, designating the La Salle Foundation as the beneficiary.