Kaifong associations are traditional mutual aid organizations which emerged in Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...

 in 1949. They were set up with the help of Secretariat for Chinese Affairs of the British

Great Britain

Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...

 colonial government. The main purpose was to provide low cost or free services in areas such as education and health care for the many refugees from China

China

Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

. After 1958 the government tried to use the kaifong associations to communicate with the local population. In 1960, kaifong associations extended their services to areas such as legal support or environmental protection. After the introduction of the City District Offices in 1969, the importance of kaifong associations declined. Nevertheless many kaifong associations are still active today.

List of Kaifong associations in Hong Kong

• Aberdeen Kaifong Association
• Chai Wan Resettlement Kaifong Welfare Association
• Cheung Sha Wan Kaifong Welfare Association
• Chuk Yuen Cottage Area Kaifong Welfare Advancement Committee
• Mongkok Kaifong Association
• Tai Hang Sai Kaifong Welfare Association
• Tsim Sha Tsui Kaifong Welfare Association
• Wan Tau Hom Resettlement Kaifong Welfare Association
• Yaumati Kaifong Welfare Advancement Association
• Sham Shui Po Kaifong Welfare Advancement Association