The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today (5 February) that it will make an immediate emergency donation of HK$10 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund, in response to the snowstorms on the Mainland which have now affected more than 100 million people.

The Club will also organise a fund raising drive, Action Red Packets, from 8 to 12 February, calling on the public to donate the lai see money they receive over Chinese New Year.  Collection boxes will be set up at the Club's 107 Off-Course Betting Branches, three clubhouses and two racecourses (on CNY raceday only), as well as the Headquarters building at Happy Valley.

Club Chairman Mr John C C Chan said that along with other Hong Kong people, the Club was deeply concerned about the situation of the 100 million or more people across 20 Mainland provinces who were suffering the effects of the snowstorms.  "We hope that our emergency donation can help relieve about 200,000 victims in the 10 most severely hit provinces and provide them with food, warm clothing, quilts and emergency supplies," he said.  The provinces and municipalities involved are Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan and Xinjiang.

"We hope that our fund raising drive can likewise bring relief to those affected at this difficult time, as well as demonstrating the close relationship and supportive spirit of Hong Kong people to their Mainland compatriots," Mr Chan added.

"To promote active public participation, the Club will double the amount contributed by making a matching donation for every single dollar collected from the public, racing fans and Club staff, up to a maximum matching donation of HK$20 million," he pledged.

All funds raised by the Club, together with its matching donation, will be donated to help snowstorm-affected people on the Mainland.