Jockey Club helps foster community inclusion in Tin Shui Wai

05/31/2014

In a move to help integration of new arrivals, cross-border families and ethnic minorities in Tin Shui Wai, The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Charities Trust has provided the New Home Association with HK$4.2 million to renovate and equip their new centre in the district.

Today (31 May), Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai joined Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam, Director-General of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Department of Social Affairs Yang Mao and Chairman of New Home Association Board of Directors Hui Wing-mao to officiate at the opening ceremony of the New Home Association Jockey Club Tin Shui Wai Service Centre.

Dr Fan said she was delighted to see the opening of the Centre. “Now new arrivals will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the local community through various activities organised by the Centre, in turn enhancing their adaptability, sense of belonging and helping them to integrate into the society more easily. At the same time, local residents can share activities to help them get along with the new arrivals, which promotes social inclusion.”

The 302-square-metre centre, located at Tin Yiu (I) Estate, contains a multi-purpose function room, training and group study room, interviewing room, studio and resource corner. The diversified services provided for the community include student support, family counselling and outreach, employment and skill training, talks and workshops, adaptation courses and mutual support group service. The Centre is expected to benefit over 100,000 new arrivals and ethnic minorities annually.

Over the past decade the Trust has supported various community services designed to help new arrivals, cross-border families and ethnic minorities integrate into the community. Examples include funding the HKSHK Lady MacLehose Centre to renovate their new centre and to launch the “Jockey Club Whole Person Development Programme for Ethnic Minority Youth” for three years, and supporting the International Social Service Hong Kong Branch to run a three-year support service programme for cross-border families.

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.