People expect more from the businesses that shape their world today. They expect them not only to serve the interests of their shareholders but also to have a positive impact on the communities in which they operate, as well as on society at large.

CLP is committed to engaging with communities wherever it operates, identifying opportunities to support them through charitable work and partnerships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and local businesses.

A prime example of this is the company’s dedication to expanding its clean energy portfolio in Mainland China while carefully considering the needs of indigenous villagers living near its assets.

By providing support to indigenous villagers, CLP’s energy transition is moving forward in step with the wellbeing of the community and creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

A long history of engagement

CLP first entered the Mainland China market in 1979 when it began providing electricity to Guangdong province. Today, it is the nation’s largest external investor in the energy sector.

It has more than 50 power projects spanning 16 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, focused on low-carbon energy such as nuclear power and renewable energy, as well as opportunities for smart energy services.

As the company strengthens its non-carbon portfolio in support of Mainland China’s goals of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, CLP practices sustainability by supporting a range of underprivileged groups through community initiatives.

These include training up a group of indigenous Miao women to use their unique embroidery skills to create handcrafted tote bags as souvenirs, and preserving the local culture through other educational projects.

Last winter, Mainland China was hit by a fierce cold snap, with climate experts warning that extreme weather events will become increasingly common. Rapidly falling temperatures in some parts of the country put the elderly and children living in remote villages at potential risk.

To help them stay warm through the winter, CLP found a comforting way to bring a little extra warmth and care to nearby communities, drawing on a deep-seated love of knitting.

Keeping traditional pastimes alive

Knitting has been a traditional craft for centuries. Clothing and shoes worn by family members in all seasons used to be made by mothers and grandmothers, and almost every family has a veteran knitter.

As people stayed home during the pandemic, more people took up the hobby. Knitting became one of the most popular winter pastimes during lockdowns, not only among older women but also among young women and men.

To turn the popular trend to a practical purpose, CLP mobilised 648 volunteers from Hong Kong and Mainland China to participate in its first ‘Knitting for the Community’ campaign.

Working with local governments and charities, volunteers from seven provinces and autonomous regions organised a series of community activities to distribute knitted items to underprivileged people.

As well as CLP employees and family members, communities near CLP’s plants in Mainland China were invited to join in the knitting effort. Volunteers dedicated a total of around 3,500 hours to knit more than 1,000 pieces of clothing and accessories which were distributed with greeting cards attached to each item.

Crafting unique and distinctive styles

As well as scarves, hats, and sweaters, ethnic minority volunteers who took part in the ‘Knitting for the Community’ campaign used their unique stitching and embroidery skills to create distinctive regional handicrafts.

In villages in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, women traditionally made beautifully embroidered insoles or shoes for husbands who had to leave home to make a living. They believed the insoles would not only soothe the men's exhausted feet but also remind them that their families supported them.

The tradition lives on. Every stitch of the insoles embroidered by ethnic minority women reveals the care and love of the maker, and the items knitted for the campaign included delicate hand-embroidered insoles and shoes.

A soothing pastime for everyone

Knitting is often seen as a women’s pastime, but it is booming in popularity among men. British diving gold medallist Tom Daley was spotted knitting at the Tokyo Olympics as he relaxed between contests, encouraging more young men and women to pick up knitting needles.

“Knitting is not just for women, but for men too,” says Yang Wei, a 27-year-old volunteer who joined the campaign in Xin’an village in Guangxi. The process of stitching, purling, casting on and off is relaxing and satisfying, he says, adding: “I used to know nothing about knitting, but now I can knit quite well.”

Parents have found that knitting is not only a good way to improve their relationships with their children but also a meaningful way to get children involved in volunteer work.

A mission to help rural communities

Caring for the community has always been one of CLP’s core values. Over the years, the company has proactively supported communities where it operates to promote wellbeing, environmental protection, education, and culture preservation.

The knitting project is part of a long and important journey to demonstrate CLP’s commitment to provide care and assistance to people in need in Mainland China, according to CLP Holdings Managing Director - China Joseph Law.

“The knitting campaign signifies CLP’s ongoing commitment to build a harmonious and caring community, and contribute to the economic development of Mainland China.” he explains.

CLP China will continue to encourage its employees to take part in volunteer activities during their free time to build stronger bonds with local communities and help improve their wellbeing.