Hong Kong may be the embodiment of big-city spirit, but for David Nesbitt, MBA’70, one of the most exciting spots is a minuscule café named The Nest. Tucked beside a leafy courtyard by St John’s Cathedral, The Nest may be tiny, but it’s part of a huge endeavour from the and its six social enterprises, which include cafés, coffee shops, and a bakery.
Established by David and Wendy Nesbitt as the Hong Kong Vocational Centre in 1993, the Nesbitt Centre utilizes vocational education and social enterprises to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently, care for themselves, and advocate for their needs. The Nest is one of the crown jewels in a program that includes several cafés, a bakery, and a variety of programs. Currently, the centre and its social enterprises employ eight full-time and 35 part-time persons with disabilities (as well as 25 full- and part-time staff without disabilities). Since its inception, more than 350 people have participated in its programming and it’s one of the most significant organizations of its kind in Hong Kong.
Gabriel Hok Hang Lai, the Nesbitt Centre’s Head of Special Education Needs, has seen firsthand the difference the organization makes. “The Nesbitt Centre stands as a pillar of our community, providing much-needed services through individualized, strength-based programs that holistically empower learners, foster their independence, and create opportunities for a stronger, more inclusive Hong Kong.”
Before there was the Nesbitt Centre and its social enterprises, the Nesbitts were a busy family, raising their three children in Hong Kong. However, they soon realized that while there were services for schoolchildren with disabilities, there was virtually no support for them as adults. They knew things had to change, not least of which because their daughter was one of those children.
“Because there were a number of parents in that situation, including our own special-needs daughter, we set up a centre … and the government and Social Welfare Department said they would fund it on a specific formula basis, and they gave us space for free,” says Mr. Nesbitt, whose business skills were essential to their operations.
He likes to joke that he “went to Queen’s when the Earth was cooling,” but many of the skills he started honing through his MBA have come in handy. “The marketing courses allowed me to understand a little personal sales and service,” he reflects, adding, “I was lucky enough to have an introduction to the world of computer skills and a little bit in the world of marketing skills.” (In fact, he was an early adviser at the Queen’s computer centre.)
After studying psychology and economics at the University of Manitoba, Mr. Nesbitt came to Queen’s for an MBA, following in the footsteps of his brother, Dr. Bruce Nesbitt, MA’65. (Continuing the tradition, Mr. Nesbitt’s son, James, Artsci’96, is also an alumnus). After graduation, he was working for Richardson Securities in Winnipeg when an opportunity arose in Hong Kong. The family (and their golden retriever) made the move. While they called Hong Kong their home for decades, Canadian connections remained tight, including Mr. Nesbitt’s links with many Queen’s classmates. The Nesbitt Centre’s rooftop café at Hong Kong’s Maritime Museum, Cafe8, has even hosted a Queen’s Alumni Association event.
Today, the family has returned to Canada, but the organization remains a significant part of their lives, and Mr. Nesbitt continues to serve on the board as chairman emeritus.
