1931年至1945年，日本發動侵華戰爭。澳門華人社群以社團為主要組織形式展開救亡賑難活動。期間，隨著澳門局勢的變化，相對於百餘個旋生旋滅的新生社團，以鏡湖醫院和同善堂為代表的澳門傳統華人慈善社團，在救亡賑難運動中充分展現出穩定性、廣泛性和民族性的特徵，為難民收容、人道救助等作出了歷史性貢獻。

As a result of the provocation of an invasion war by Japan against China between 1931 and 1945, activities of national salvation and disaster relief were launched by the Chinese community in Macau, mainly organised by associations. During the course of these activities, and in contrast to scores of associations with short periods of existence, traditional Chinese philanthropic associations such as Kiang Wu Hospital and Tung Sin Tong had demonstrated stability, board coverage and strong national identity, contributing historically in terms of acceptable of refugees and humanitarian assistance.