Oliver Chin, Founder, get through difficulties and shine

Hi, my name is Olivia Chin, founder of Hong Kong Masks Australia, also a mom of two boys. I have lived in Australia for 14 years, and this is my story of why I wanted to start this project.

Years ago, I met my ex and fell for him. At the beginning of the marriage, there weren’t any episodes of violence or abuse. After a while, things started to happen. He became emotionally abusive, critical and frightening. The abuse wasn’t only emotional, but also financial. My ex never left me alone with anyone, I wasn’t allowed to go to school, learn to drive or have a job. I lost my identity. My self-esteem had hit the rock bottom. I had no family or friends here. I was isolated. I didn’t believe in my ability to live an independent life. There was nowhere for me to go. There was no escape. I also had no idea I was being abused. One day my neighbour, another mom asked me how I was. I suddenly broke down and couldn’t stop crying. When I told her, she helped me to escape from the terrible situation by making a few calls to contact the authorities.

It’s now been 10 years since I left my ex. I now celebrate where I am in life and I am very proud of all that I have done since then. I’ve learnt English, found a job, I no longer live on the dole, I’ve moved out of public housing have a full time job, and I’m now married to a wonderful man who loves me and my two children. I feel safe. I am in a really good place and I feel it’s very important to give back to the Australian community who saved me.

I come from Hong Kong and I’ve been through the SARS epidemic back in 2003. So, when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, I believed that Australians should practise social distancing, wash hands and wear masks. I also believe in DIY and that we should leave the medical masks for the medical professionals. So, I put up a post on the Facebook Hongkongers group and recruited some volunteers of the same mind-set to form the volunteer group of Hong Kong Masks Australia. We are all from Hong Kong and we all believe in giving back to our new country.

I want to thanks my ex-neighbour who had save my life. She has inspired me to give a hand to other whenever I could.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the great mothers around the world!