A Small Gesture That Makes a Lasting Impact

While many people plan for comfort and security, Larina chose to plan for impact. By naming Plan International Hong Kong as one of the beneficiaries of her life insurance plan, she hopes her resources can one day bring real change to those in need.

It wasn’t a spontaneous decision — it came after some thought and observation. Learning about Plan International’s mission to support girls in developing countries, Larina was struck by how unequal the world still is. “Something as basic as managing menstruation with safety and dignity can still be a challenge in many places,” she said. “We’re lucky in Hong Kong — women have access to education and independence. If I can’t change the system, I can at least do something small and meaningful.”

Her decision to plan early was shaped by personal experience. Larina lost her father when she was three and a close friend to cancer at twenty — experiences that reminded her how unpredictable life can be. “That friend taught me how even small acts of kindness and encouragement can bring light to others,” she recalled. “After he passed away, I wanted to carry on that mission — to bring positive change to people’s lives in whatever way I can.”

When asked why she didn’t leave her legacy solely to loved ones, Larina’s response was practical. “My mother raised me alone and has a careful retirement plan. More money doesn’t bring her more happiness. I think most of us in the middle class already have enough — beyond a certain point, it’s just convenience or luxury.”

For Larina, legacy is about making resources count where they matter most. “The same amount that buys comfort here can change a girl’s life elsewhere — through education, safety, and opportunity,” she said. “It doesn’t take much effort to plan ahead, but it can make a lasting difference.”

Making Good Use of Wealth, Advancing Girls’ Right

Legacy planning is more than arranging wealth—it is about carrying forward values and beliefs. Having personally experienced the impermanence of life, Ivan chose to support Plan International through legacy giving, enabling his love to extend beyond his lifetime and continue safeguarding children and girls in need.

Ivan believes that, like many people, life involves some degree of planning—from studying, to working, to building a family. Yet people often think there is plenty of time and that certain decisions need not be made too quickly. However, when unexpected changes occur, one may no longer have the opportunity or ability to make arrangements.

In recent years, some of Ivan’s relatives and friends have passed away, some at a relatively young age. Because they had not made proper arrangements before their passing, their wishes were not fully realised, and their families were left with additional worries.

He believes that: “Money that can be used is the only money that truly belongs to oneself.” Therefore, he hopes his wealth can be used in the places he truly desires, both during his lifetime and after. He believes that early planning not only reduces regrets but also lessens the burden on loved ones in the future. Moreover, a well‑established plan can still be adjusted as needed to adapt to future changes.

Ivan first came to understand the importance of legacy planning years ago through a Forevergift.hk  Legacy seminar. Learning that many girls around the world continue to face exploitation and discrimination in life and education—through challenges such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and sexual violence—left him deeply saddened. When he discovered that Plan International is committed to advancing gender equality and advocating for girls’ rights, he felt especially inspired to support their mission and decided to name Plan International as one of his legacy beneficiaries

He hopes that through legacy giving, more children and girls in need can grow up in a safe environment, with the opportunity to explore and pursue their dreams.