Corporate News

Club-funded heritage preservation programme encourages public to participate in Wan Chai "treasure hunt"

9 January 2010

Get ready to go treasure hunting in Wan Chai!  As one of the city's oldest districts, Wan Chai has an incredible blend of old and new attractions to discover.  The district features numerous heritage treasures such as historic tong lau tenement buildings, open-air bazaars, pubs and traditional craftsmanship.

Heritage conservation has become a hot topic in Hong Kong in recent years, with many local residents now becoming interested to explore different aspects of their neighbourhood, especially since the Government launched a heritage rejuvenation programme in 2007.  The Hong Kong Jockey Club has therefore provided funding for St James' Settlement to organise a "Heritage Preservation and Rejuvenation Programme in Wan Chai" project.  One of its major initiatives - the "Wan Chai Treasures" Community Heritage Preservation Programme - was launched yesterday (8 January) to educate the public about the district's heritage through a wide array of activities.

The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So, said at the ceremony that the Club had been a long-standing supporter of heritage conservation in Hong Kong, for example by assisting the Government in renovating heritage sites, funding the creation of heritage trails and converting an old factory building into the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre.  It was now planning its biggest heritage project to date, the conservation and revitalisation of the Central Police Station Compound.

"The Club also attaches great importance to conserving intangible heritage, and has supported numerous community projects in this field over the years," Mr So added.  "There is a need to preserve our intangible heritage and pass on the legacy, therefore the younger generation plays an important role.  We hope this programme will enhance public awareness of Wan Chai's heritage, and thus encourage people to work together to protect and pass on unique aspects of local culture."

The "Wan Chai Treasures" Community Heritage Preservation Programme will run from now until 17 January.  The programme includes an art and photo exhibition by young people to showcase their views on Wan Chai's conservation, the collection of memorable items from the community, a heritage tour to explore the back streets and alleys of Wan Chai, and a discussion forum about intangible heritage in the district.  More information on "Wan Chai Treasures" can be found at http://hprp.sjs.org.hk.

Since 2008, the Club has donated HK$3.89 million to St James' Settlement to organise the "Heritage Preservation and Rejuvenation Programme in Wan Chai" project, which comprises various initiatives to enhance public understanding of the district's heritage.  Previous activities have included a heritage awareness programme in which more than 3,000 students participated from 23 schools and the publication of a cultural magazine to foster young people's understanding of heritage conservation.  A large scale bazaar will be held in summer this year. 

125th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.

The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So, says there is a need to preserve the city's heritage and pass on the legacy to future generations.
Photo 1:
The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So, says there is a need to preserve the city's heritage and pass on the legacy to future generations.

The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So joins St James' Settlement's Chief Executive Officer Michael Lam at the opening ceremony of Wan Chai Treasures.
Photo 2:
The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So joins St James' Settlement's Chief Executive Officer Michael Lam at the opening ceremony of Wan Chai Treasures.

St James' Settlement's Chief Executive Officer Michael Lam presents souvenir to the Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So.
Photo 3:
St James' Settlement's Chief Executive Officer Michael Lam presents souvenir to the Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So.

Photo 4/5:  Guests attend the Wan Chai Treasures photo exhibition.
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Photo 4/5:
Guests attend the Wan Chai Treasures photo exhibition.

Photo 4/5:  Guests attend the Wan Chai Treasures photo exhibition.
Photo 5

 

 

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