OUR HISTORY
The Prisoners' Friends’ Association (PFA) was founded in 1982 with support from the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD).
PFA’s mission is to provide friendship to prisoners in Hong Kong who have no friends or family to visit them. Volunteers exchange letters and make visits to these prisoners to provide emotional support.
Throughout the years, PFA’s work has been sustained by the dedication of countless visitation and penfriend volunteers. Their selfless service ensures that compassion continues to reach those behind bars.
PFA’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and the enduring power of human connection in Hong Kong’s correctional system.
Early Years
Over the years many people have volunteered for the organisation and it has supported 1000s of people. From the beginning PFA has been open to visiting anyone in any prison in Hong Kong regardless of nationality, gender or religion and with no concern with how they came to be in prison. Many distinguished people in Hong Kong have supported or volunteered for PFA.
The PFA was registered with the Societies Office Registry of the Hong Kong Police Force in 1995 and received recognition as a charitable organization under section 88 of the Inland Revenue. Shortly after this mark, and on increasing the number of volunteers to over 100, the Correctional Services Department further recognized the value of the PFA’s work and their trust in the organization by agreeing to allow PFA members to meet prisoners in private rooms, similar to the privilege allowed to social workers and solicitors.
PFA also began to publish a regular newsletter which is distributed free of charge to prisoners in Hong Kong. It contains articles of interest and support.
Recent Developments
In recent years the PFA has adapted to challenges such as a greater diversity of foreign prisoners speaking different languages and with different cultural backgrounds. During the SARS and COVID pandemics volunteers continued to support their prisoner friends through writing letters and offering encouragement. A recent expansion of the PFA’s service now sees it also supporting people on remand.
From 2013 the association has been honoured to have the support of our Honorary President, Mr Michael Tien JP. The organisation continues to adapt and grow. But its mission remains the same simple one as at its foundation – to provide friendship to prisoners who have no one else in Hong Kong.
In 2024 The Prisoners’ Friends’ Association was honoured to be recognized by the Correctional Services Department as a “Rehabilitation Partner” in the first year of this award scheme. This award recognises 120 non-government organizations and individuals for their active support of inmates and rehabilitated persons over the past two years.
Leadership Transitions
1982
PFA was established, with Mrs. Jane Crawley as Chairperson.
1998
Rev. Charles McKnelly was elected as the
new Chairperson.
May 2025 - Present
Ms. Jenny Fok, after eight years of involvement with PFA, assumed the role of Chairperson.
1996
Mrs. Crawley stepped down as Chairperson and became Vice-Chairperson, succeeded by Miss Pauline Deary.
2001 - May 2025
Mr. Jack Fung served as Chairperson for over 24 years, contributing tirelessly before retiring in May 2025. He remains an active member, continuing to support PFA.