Jockey Club promotes green living with Environment Fair

03/01/2014

Fun and interactive ways to attain a green and sustainable lifestyle were on show today (1 March) at an environment fair organised by the CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia.

Held at Sunshine City Plaza, Ma On Shan, the Environment Fair 2014 was officially opened by the Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So, Permanent Secretary for the Environment Anissa Wong, Steering Committee for CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia Chairman Professor P C Ching, Institute of Environment Energy and Sustainability Director Professor Gabriel Lau, Polar Museum Foundation Founder Dr Rebecca Lee and Green Monday Founder David Yeung.

Noting that the Club was always keen to support green programmes in the community, Mr So said he hoped the public could learn more green tips through today’s event, and would apply them to build a more environmentally-friendly community.

Also addressing the gathering were Ms Wong, Dr Lee and Mr Yeung who shared their views and experiences on this year’s theme, “Green Living”. Visitors to the fair could learn energy-saving and waste-saving tips at interactive information and game booths, and appreciate green artwork made from discarded materials that helped raise awareness of the importance of sustainable development.

Jockey Club Initiative Gaia is a Trust-funded project to protect the environment through a HK$54 million donation to the Chinese University to undertake a five-year community engagement programme. Already established under the project is The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Located at the university, the museum features the “Three Poles” (including Mt Everest) collection of renowned Hong Kong explorer Dr Rebecca Lee, along with information on the Trust’s contributions to environmental protection and innovative research initiated by CUHK.

In addition, the Trust encourages creation of a greener community through carbon reduction partnerships and measures to reduce food waste, like funding St. James’ Settlement and Food Angel to cover the running cost of a kitchen to prepare hot meals for the needy using donated surplus food.

Further details of CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia are available at http://www.gaia.cuhk.edu.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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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.