Corporate News

HKJC presents cheque to support relief work for Sichuan earthquake victims

4 June 2008

The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, accompanied by Executive Director of Corporate Development Kim Mak, today (4 June) presented a cheque for HK$9,440,471.43 to the Deputy Director of the Central Government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Li Gang, to support relief work for people affected by the Sichuan earthquake.

The donations were raised from the public, racing fans, Club members and staff through collection boxes set up between 14 and 28 May at the Club's Off-Course Betting Branches, clubhouses and racecourses, as well as the Headquarters building at Happy Valley.  The Liaison Office will ensure that they are passed on to the Red Cross Society of China.

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club, with its rich history and proven track record as a not-for-profit operation, had a long-standing commitment to serve the community.  "As soon as we learned of the earthquake, we determined to surpass normal limits to help the victims, as well as assisting others in Hong Kong to show their support," he said.  "Besides making our own immediate donation of HK$30 million, we made use of our citywide resources to set up collection boxes at all our outlets.  It is heartening to see such an overwhelming public response within such a short time.  Our Members, staff and racing fans were very support of the fund-raising initiative.  One winning horse Owner even donated his prize money of HK$400,000 after the race."

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges revealed that the Club was also considering some specific efforts to aid and support the reconstruction work in Sichuan so as to help victims rebuild their homes.  "We shall discuss this new initiative with the Central Government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong in due course," he promised.

Mr Li expressed his gratitude for the generosity of the public, racing fans, Club Members and staff, saying he appreciated not only the Club's support in providing immediate assistance through donations and fund-raising, but also its determination to help rebuilding the affected areas.  "The Central Government will come up with a master reconstruction plan and our office will liaise further with The Hong Kong Jockey Club to explore possible specific joint efforts," he said.

A further amount of RMB60,000 raised by the Beijing Hong Kong Jockey Club Clubhouse will be passed to the Red Cross Society of China directly.


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