Hello, I’m Rio Tam, one of the committee members of the SDGs group at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong) Limited.  As December embraces us with its festive cheer, SMTHK wrapped up a heartwarming event on 2 December 2025 — the “Free Flea Market.” This activity was designed to bring colleagues together in a fun and meaningful way to declutter, share useful items, and support both the community and the environment.

What is the concept behind the Free Flea Market?

Colleagues were invited to bring items they no longer need—such as books, small appliances, home goods, and office supplies—and place them in a designated area. Our committee then gathered these items and displayed them in our conference room, like a market, for the entire day.

Throughout the event, colleagues could stroll around, browse the items, and pick anything they found useful. At the same time, if they brought items they no longer needed, they could donate those as well, knowing they might find a new home.

The remaining items after the browsing were tidied up and transported to the Refugee Union, where they can support families facing real challenges. This setup encouraged a cycle of reuse, allowing colleagues to exchange pre-loved goods and reduce waste.

The flea market not only helped everyone reduce clutter and extend the life of unused belongings but also promoted reuse and sustainability—small steps that collectively contribute to environmental conservation.

Most importantly, the donations will help the Refugee Union provide necessities to those experiencing hardship. It’s a simple but meaningful way to extend care to the community during the holiday season.

With the festive spirit in the air, the flea market became more than just a swap—it became a moment of generosity and connection. Participating in such initiatives demonstrates our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

Goal 1: No Poverty — by supporting families facing hardship through donations.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities — by helping vulnerable communities access necessities.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — by promoting reuse and reducing waste.

Goal 13: Climate Action — by reducing waste and supporting environmental sustainability.

Thank you to everyone who joined, donated, or helped spread the word. Your generosity made the event a success. Let’s carry this spirit of giving forward and continue making a difference in our community.