Jockey Club donates HK$20 million to assist quake-hit Gansu and Qinghai provinces

21/12/2023 15:35

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“the Club”) announced today (21 December) the donation of HK$20 million to support rescue and relief work following a devastating magnitude-6.2 earthquake that struck Gansu and Qinghai provinces in northwestern China. The Club’s donation is being coordinated via the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (“CLO”).

The Club’s Chairman Michael Lee expressed his deepest condolences to the earthquake victims and their families, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He said the Club is committed in its support of immediate disaster relief efforts and ready to provide the necessary assistance to the affected areas. He added that he hopes the emergency donation can help those affected through recovery work, facilitating a return to normalcy.

The Club has provided emergency support for previous disasters in the Mainland, including HK$1 billion towards reconstruction in Sichuan province following the 2008 earthquake, HK$20 million for flood relief in Zhengzhou City, Henan province in 2021 and HK$20 million for flood relief in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and northeastern China in August this year.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2022/23, the Club returned a total of HK$35.9 billion to the community. This included HK$28.6 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$7.3 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world’s top ten charity donors.