Silver linings amid fear, anguish

VOLUNTEERS STEP FORWARD

Rampaging mobs have created a trail of destruction in Hong Kong, leaving graffiti, anti-government posters and piles of trash in their wake on streets, in public spaces and inside elevators.

But volunteers have come out to clean up the city, especially the business centers, which have been frequent targets of radical protesters. These volunteers have removed stickers plastered onto bridge railings, using hand towels or power-drill brushes to scrape the surfaces clean. Their efforts have drawn applause from passersby.

"It's a flash mob cleanup," said Ko Chung-kit, a music teacher, who organized the cleaning drive. The idea was to make "flash appearances" in areas previously targeted by anti-government protesters.

During the unrest, radicals, predominantly youngsters, have vented their anger by plastering public spaces with posters and spraying graffiti on walls.

The cleanup drive was planned online, word was spread online and the campaign went viral, earning praise on social media.

Messages of encouragement have been pouring in from the mainland, said Ko.

Ko also received death threats after his personal information, including his name, telephone number and home address, was leaked online.

"I feel depressed," said Ko. "But I love this city and the people here. I believe I should step forward and hope more people will follow suit."

Ko called on the city's residents to join the initiative in order to safeguard their own communities.

The cleanup campaign was an effort to engage young people in a civic exercise. Each time the group ventured out, three to four dozen people from all walks of life came out to lend their support, said Auyeung Fung-ying, one of the three campaign organizers.

Auyeung said many of her friends were afraid to step out alone, fearing they would be bullied online, blackmailed or physically harmed by radicals. But she said her urging has nonetheless encouraged more people to join the effort.