Jockey Club helps bridge understanding between generations

07/06/2013

Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population has focused attention on the need for better communications and relationships between the generations. To this end, CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors and The Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre have launched a project called CADENZA: LinkAges Community Project to promote greater understanding and respect between generations and help build a more cohesive community.

Today (6 July), Club Steward Anthony W K Chow joined Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung, Elderly Commission Chairman Professor Alfred Chan, Southern District Council Chairman Dr Chu Ching-hong, Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Executive Committee Chairman Harlanna Yeung, and Social Service Centre Management Committee Chairman Hui Yung-chung to officiate at the Project kick-off cum LinkAges Centre opening ceremony.

Mr Chow noted that the Club and the Association shared similar view on the importance of intergenerational harmony and that more social services should be made available across the city.  “With this in mind, the Club has supported the Association in launching the CADENZA: LinkAges Community Project, hoping to counter ageism and create a society for all ages with improved intergenerational relationships.”

LinkAges is a three-year CADENZA community project, comprising four parts: Community Education, Intergenerational Learning, Intergenerational Volunteer Development and Promoting Cultural Heritage Continuity.  With the aims of encouraging mutual support, cooperation and exchange, the Project will organise various community education programmes and cross-generation arts and cultural events for the public to enhance awareness of intergenerational communication.

In addition, different volunteer teams will be set up to foster mutual care, including an IT mentor team to teach the elderly IT skills; and an elderly care companion team to offer escorting services for medical consultations and respite services.  Educational activities and sharing sessions between participants of all ages will give them a better understanding of old and new cultures and help preserve local cultural heritage. Over 45,000 residents of all ages in Southern District are expected to benefit from some 130 programmes and activities being held over the next three years.

CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors is a project launched by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$380 million in 2006.  The project aims at nurturing academic leadership in gerontology and change the mindset and attitude of the general public through a range of training and public education programmes.  Cross-sectional collaboration between organisations and the implementation of innovative elderly services and programmes are also encouraged in order to bring about a new mode of elderly care services to prepare for a rapidly ageing society.  Details of CADENZA are available at www.cadenza.hk.

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.