KAAA’s aim was to alleviate suffering amongst the poor – to help those who were willing to help themselves. The Kadoorie brothers believed that simple hand-outs were not enough; aid would only be effective if the recipient had the determination to stand on their own two feet. They found this perseverance in the farmer immigrants. Despite their misfortune, they strove towards self-sufficiency.

KAAA was no ordinary charity; indeed, it could be regarded as a partnership with the people, by the people and for the people. With KAAA’s capital and tools and the agricultural department’s expertise, farmers were given autonomy and self respect, and the now productive units were able to work together for the benefit of the community to satisfy Hong Kong’s food demand.