Corporate News

First modernised elderly centre opened with Jockey Club support

02/22/2013

The first of many centres for the elderly that are being refurbished and upgraded with support from the Jockey Club Elderly Facilities Modernisation Scheme opened in Kwun Tong today (22 February). Located at Choi Fook Estate, the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) Bliss District Elderly Community Centre was officially opened by Club Steward Anthony W K Chow, along with Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung, HKCS Management Committee Chairman Rev Li Ping-kwong and Chief Executive Suen Lai-sang.

Noting that the Club had partnered HKCS for more than 40 years, Mr Chow said he was delighted the first elderly centre to benefit under the Jockey Club Elderly Facilities Modernisation Scheme was run by HKCS.  “The Scheme helps upgrade facilities and equipment to meet the needs of the elderly in four key areas, namely health promotion, encouraging continuous learning, prevention of dementia, and strengthening home safety and carer support.” 

The Jockey Club Elderly Facilities Modernisation Scheme utilises a supplementary HK$110 million donation to provide specialised equipment in elderly centres that are being upgraded under the government’s “Improvement Programme of Elderly Centres”, funded by HK$900 million from the Lotteries Fund. The Bliss District Centre is now equipped with gymnastic equipment, tablet PC, musical instruments, and a reminiscent corner for preventing dementia. 

Mr Cheung noted, “The Jockey Club’s generous donation ensures that we make the most of the government’s improvement programme. Under such strategic partnership, a total of 192 centres have taken part in the combined scheme so far.” 

The combined HK$1.1 billion modernisation scheme will enable 200,000 users of the elderly centres to engage more fully in community life. The Social Welfare Department is implementing the Scheme in phases for completion by 2018.

Promoting positive ageing and fostering a positive community attitude towards senior citizens has always been one of the priority funding areas for the Club’s Charities Trust. Major examples include the CADENZA project that pioneers new approaches to elderly care which aims to change the mindset of the general public towards senior citizens through training and public education programmes; the establishment of The Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing in Sha Tin, to provide care and support to dementia patients and their families; and Jockey Club CADENZA Hub in Tai Po, the one-stop integrated health and social care centre, to help the elderly enjoy a happier and more independent life in the community. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.

Club Steward Anthony W K Chow says the Club is delighted to open the first modernised elderly centre supported by the Jockey Club Elderly Facilities Modernisation Scheme.
Club Steward Anthony W K Chow says the Club is delighted to open the first modernised elderly centre supported by the Jockey Club Elderly Facilities Modernisation Scheme.

Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (3rd right) along with Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung (3rd left), Hong Kong Christian Service Management Committee Chairman Rev Li Ping-kwong (2nd left), Chief Executive Suen Lai-sang (1st right) and Bliss Service User Committee member Lam Hing-wai (2nd right) and Chairman   Ng Siu-ling (1st left) officiate at the opening ceremony.
Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (3rd right) along with Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung (3rd left), Hong Kong Christian Service Management Committee Chairman Rev Li Ping-kwong (2nd left), Chief Executive Suen Lai-sang (1st right) and Bliss Service User Committee member Lam Hing-wai (2nd right) and Chairman Ng Siu-ling (1st left) officiate at the opening ceremony.

Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (3rd right) and Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung (3rd left) receive souvenirs from Bliss Service User Committee member  Lam Hing-wai (2nd right) and Chairman   Ng Siu-ling (2nd left) respectively.
Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (3rd right) and Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung (3rd left) receive souvenirs from Bliss Service User Committee member Lam Hing-wai (2nd right) and Chairman Ng Siu-ling (2nd left) respectively.

Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (4th right), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (3rd right) and the Cluba£į?s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (1st right) pictured with Hong Kong Christian Service Management Committee Chairman Rev Li Ping-kwong (2nd left), Chief Executive Suen Lai-sang (1st left) and Deputy Chief Executive Chan Pui-yi (2nd right).
Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (4th right), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (3rd right) and the Cluba£į?s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (1st right) pictured with Hong Kong Christian Service Management Committee Chairman Rev Li Ping-kwong (2nd left), Chief Executive Suen Lai-sang (1st left) and Deputy Chief Executive Chan Pui-yi (2nd right).

Guests tour the Centre.
Guests tour the Centre.

Guests tour the Centre.
Guests tour the Centre.

Guests tour the Centre.
Guests tour the Centre.

Guests tour the Centre.
Guests tour the Centre.

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