Raising Hope Fundraiser Concludes with Record HK$1.38 Million to Combat Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Philippines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HONG KONG,  November 2025 – It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that we announce the triumphant conclusion of our recent Raising Hope Fundraiser, having successfully raised an extraordinary HK$1.38 million to combat online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines. The event, held on October 15, brought over 200 guests together in the residence of Mrs. and Mr. Maurits ter Kuile, Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macau, to confront urgent global issues and champion stories of survival and systemic change.

The powerful evening featured firsthand testimonies from Theia, a survivor, and frontline leaders like Gideon, whose courageous stories illuminated the harsh realities of modern-day slavery and violence, while also demonstrating that tangible change is achievable. Their narratives formed the emotional core of an event dedicated to action and hope.

“We are profoundly humbled and grateful for the overwhelming generosity demonstrated by our donors, sponsors, and the entire community,” said Miwa Chan Sukendar, Executive Director of IJM Hong Kong. “This remarkable contribution is more than a number; it translates directly into over 27 potential rescue operations. Each operation can free tens of children from exploitation, offering them a path to safety, dignity, and comprehensive restoration. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The funds raised will directly support intervention and rescue missions in the Philippines, providing critical resources for freeing victims and facilitating their long-term healing and recovery. More importantly, it will help to implement systemic change to protect children from being exploited in the very first place.

“On behalf of our team and the communities we serve, we thank you for showing up for these children,” Miwa continued. “We are earnest in advancing this mission alongside you, your families, and friends here in Hong Kong, and we look forward to sharing ongoing updates about the tangible impact of your gifts. Together, we are building a world where freedom and safety are a reality for children, now and for generations to come.”

Media and supporters are invited to relive the impactful evening through a collection of photographs and videos available for viewing and download here.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our venue host as well as every individual donor, auction sponsor, F&B and event partner whose steadfast support made this achievement possible. This collective effort underscores a powerful, shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. A special thanks to our following sponsors: 

Venue Host
Mrs. and Mrs. Maurits ter Kuile, Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macau

Event Co-Organising Committee
Peyami Kalyoncu
Maud Glemot
Stacey Marcelo

Auction Sponsors
Sincere thanks to all our artist donors and auction sponsors for their incredible generosity: 
Chongling Dong 
Elaine Chow 
Gie Drius 
Laila and Reyna Harilela 
Louis Mak 
Marian Ang
Marzo To
Nathaniel Chan 
Nicholas Wong
Mr and Mrs Tom and Chai Hall
YanPing Wang 

F&B Sponsors
Sincere thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and the following F&B sponsors for their incredible generosity:

Event Production Sponsors & Partners

Auction Partner 

About International Justice Mission

Founded in 1997, International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. We do so by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. IJM operates in 33 communities across 20 countries and have thus far increased protection for more than 10 million people living in poverty. In Hong Kong, we partner with visionary organizations, families and individuals to drive awareness and transformative change.

Raising Hope 2025 is a dedicated fundraiser to support IJM’s work to end online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines. 1 in 100 Filipino children are victims of online sexual exploitation, with half a million children sexually abused on camera in 2022 alone. Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) is when perpetrators pay traffickers to produce images or videos of the sexual abuse of minors. It is a rapidly growing crime in the Philippines due to widespread poverty, availability of internet access, and broad English language proficiency. Girls and boys are forced to perform sex acts, often by a parent or relative, or are exploited in other violent ways.

Since 2016, IJM has supported Philippine authorities in over 478 operations, resulting in the rescue of over 1,638 children and the conviction of over 277 perpetrators. We have made tremendous progress toward our goal of protecting 6 million vulnerable children and are poised to hit success targets in justice system strengthening by mid 2027.