Jockey Club donates HK$ 720 million to help low-income families in transitional housing become self-reliant

20/04/2024 16:25

According to the latest research, one-fifth of Hong Kong’s population lives in poverty. To address this issue, and in particular to uplift low-income households living in transitional housing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today (20 April) the launch of JC PROJECT LIFT, with an approved donation of HK$ 720 million from its Charities Trust.  

The announcement was the highlight of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day at Sha Tin Racecourse, attended by over 200 charity and community representatives, under the theme of “LIFT Together, LIVE Better”. Officiating were HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, HKSAR Government Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, Club Chairman Michael Lee, Club Deputy Chairman Martin Liao, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and JC PROJECT LIFT Advisory Committee Convenor Clement Cheung.

Club Chairman Michael Lee said, “One of the Club’s strategic charities focus areas is Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation. The Club works closely with the HKSAR Government and various sectors to create new opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to unleash their potential and contribute to society. In addition, the Club seeks to help families break the cycle of poverty. Harnessing the drive and creativity of Hong Kong as a regional philanthropic centre, the Club is therefore delighted to announce JC PROJECT LIFT, which will provide comprehensive assistance to families in transitional housing and thereby contribute to the targeted poverty alleviation strategy outlined in the latest Policy Address of the Chief Executive.”

Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki said that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to the tripartite collaboration between the Government, the business sector and the community, and that it has been implementing the targeted poverty alleviation strategy by directing resources to the grassroots most in need. Relevant initiatives include the Strive and Rise Programme, Community Living Rooms and school-based after school care services. He added that he was pleased to learn about the Club’s launch of JC PROJECT LIFT, which will help, in an all-round manner, underprivileged families residing in transitional housing to expand their horizons and improve their living. He also thanked the Club, as Vice-Chairperson of the Partners’ Board, for its staunch support for the Strive and Rise programme, with the Club joining with the Government to help young people from grassroots families.

The five-year JC PROJECT LIFT will collaborate with 18 partners to provide comprehensive assistance to families in transitional housing projects.

The project is based on the successful Graduation Approach used in rural settings overseas, but customised to address the challenges of poverty in the modern urban environment as the Urban Graduation Approach (UGA). To help families break out of the poverty trap it focuses on enhancing family capacities and developing sustainable livelihoods. It empowers families financially through a savings scheme and initiatives to improve employment aspirations and prospects. Just as importantly it seeks to build confidence and self-esteem, encouraging families to expand their social circle and to engage with the wider community.

The five key components of JC PROJECT LIFT are as follows, with specific details to be announced in due course: 
·         JC LIFT Hub – a social hub to strengthen family and community ties and foster the well-being and mental health of the community
·         Family Capacity Building Planner (FCBP)™ – to help families identify and strengthen family capacities and set development goals
·         Capacity Building Fund – to help families achieve the goals established through the programme, subsidies ranging from HK$ 10,000 to HK$ 20,000 will be provided based on the number of family members
·         Level-up Empowerment Employment Centre - professional consultants will provide guidance in identifying strengths, upskilling, and exploring new career opportunities
·         Saving Scheme – to incentivise saving habits and build financial literacy

The programme will initially benefit 14,000 families in 25 transitional housing projects across the city. In the long run, it is hoped that the UGA model will be replicated in other housing settings in Hong Kong and potentially overseas. Further details can be found on the JC PROJECT LIFT website: jcprojectlift.hk.

The Club’s support for JC PROJECT LIFT, like all its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for the community.

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 one of the world’s top ten charity donors.