A territory-wide survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups found that young people had a positive attitude towards volunteering, and cherished the importance of individual's own free- will of volunteering. A relatively higher percentage of respondents disagreed with the suggestion that volunteering should be made compulsory for students.  Respondents were, however, divided over counting their voluntary service record as part of their academic performance, with 45 per cent supporting the move, while 50 per cent did not. 

 More than half of young people found volunteering attractive if it could provide them with opportunities to receive training courses or to travel abroad, indicating that respondents regarded volunteering as a channel to strengthen one's competence.  Statistically, respondents who were unmarried, at school, and of a younger age found opportunities to acquire a certificate in recognition of work, free meals, and a traveling subsidy more attractive. 

        However, most respondents saw a lack of time as the biggest obstacle to volunteering (76.6 per cent), particularly married respondents.  This was also the most commonly cited reason for not volunteering among respondents who had not volunteered in the past 12 months.  More than half were attracted to volunteering if it required no follow-up duties. 

        Despite facing various types of obstacles, respondents had a positive attitude towards volunteering, with nearly all agreeing to the maxim that, “Helping people is the root of happiness”.  An overwhelming majority (96 per cent) believed that, “ To give is better than to receive”.  Only a very few believed that doing voluntary service meant being exploited, or was a waste of time.  Moreover, a majority considered volunteering somehow meaningful, with only a very few denouncing volunteering as meaningless.  Statistically, respondents who volunteered seemed to be more aware of the positive impact of volunteering on themselves.

         The telephone poll was conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups from 6 to 9 November, which successfully interviewed 867 young people aged between 15 and 39.  The survey noted that 20 per cent of respondents had volunteered in the past 12 months.  Of this number most volunteered through district community centres, voluntary service groups, school and college.  Visitations, fund raising and organizing events were the most likely services for which they volunteered.  The major reasons given for volunteering were “to help people in need”, “many people volunteer, so I should too”, and “to kill time”.  Statistically, respondents of a younger age, or with a higher level of education, while at school, those with religious beliefs, and the unmarried, had a higher rate of volunteering.