Watch 'Hong Kong: Behind the Frontline' on Dateline

Dorothy is the first to admit she is not "brave enough" to be on the frontlines of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests.

These protests have become one of the most coordinated grassroots social movements in history. Millions have taken to the streets over the last three months to campaign for democracy.

Many of Dorothy's friends are concerned that direct involvement in the movement could jeopardise their job and even relationships. Donating money and food coupons is their way of showing support.

"As the young people in Hong Kong go into fight for their future, I want them to know that we, as parents, support their action and are willing to help in any way we can," Dorothy told Dateline.

Being a mother makes Dorothy's job easier. She says mothers are trusted and the protesters are more willing to accept their help.

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"We are doing this to encourage them. We are here for them. We know what they are doing is right," she said.

Dorothy distributes food coupons, masks and other resources directly to the protesters. She also uses social media to recruit helpers and prompt people to ask directly for help.

Dorothy believes that frontline protesters now need more than food to keep the fire burning. So, she writes messages of support with the coupons.

"We are not just handing out food coupons - we are passing on encouragement."

Some of the messages read, "You have been working very hard. It's time for you to eat something and recharge."

Or, "This one, no matter what you have, we are family. [All] Hong Kongers are family."

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How did Hong Kong get here?

Hong Kong was leased from China to Britain for 99 years. It was handed back to the communist regime in 1997 with a promise: that Hong Kongers could keep their democracy, labelling it 'one country, two systems.'

The plan was to fully integrate in 2047 - except China doesn't want to wait.

In 2014, Beijing decided it would vet those running to lead Hong Kong. Of the 70 people in the legislative council, only 40 are chosen democratically. The others handpicked by the city's business and industry leaders, who often have significant ties to mainland China.

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Under the current pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam, a law was proposed allowing people in Hong Kong to be extradited to the mainland. Many say the law would be used to round up dissenters.

That's when thousands, then millions, hit the streets protesting the influence of mainland China.

The bill itself has since been withdrawn but the movement have galvanised the opportunity to push for the democracy they believed they were promised.

Dorothy told Dateline, "This movement is not about the bill anymore, it's about how much you love this city."

"Those who have been awakened will not go back to sleep – once people are awakened to the way China is trying to control our population."

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Dorothy has a 29-year-old son in Hong Kong and is worried about his future.

"The entire generation acknowledges that they need to push for change," she said.

"It's not a good thing [the protests] have happened, but we are seeing that people are connecting together and understanding a revolution has started."