Corporate News

Jockey Club encourages organic farming in community

04/14/2012

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has teamed up with the Hong Chi Association again by supporting the Association with a donation of HK$1.5 million to organise the Hong Chi-Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Organic Farming Campaign for Primary and Secondary Schools in Hong Kong.

As part of the public education component under the Trust-initiated Environment Project, the campaign helps promote green living and raise environmental awareness among students, teachers and their families, so as to build a greener future for Hong Kong.

Today (14 April), the Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So joined Permanent Secretary for the Environment Anissa Wong and General Secretary of Hong Chi Association Aldan Kwok to announce the opening of the campaign.

Mr So said, “We are very delighted and honoured to support this activity again. This year the scope of the organic farming competition has further expanded to encourage community engagement. I think this is very important as green living, environmental protection and organic farming should not only take place at schools, and I believe the students’ family members, teachers and their friends can also convey the message in the community.”

This year’s campaign is expected to involve 80,000 students, parents and school staff at 120 primary, secondary and special schools in the city. To make the competition more interesting, new elements of “Organic Cooking”, “Organic Farming” and “Organic Knowledge” are being included. The winning schools will receive a grant to organise a visit to such environmentally educational facilities as the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Gallery. Planting workshops and eco tours for teachers, students and parents will also be held to enhance their understanding of organic farming.

Public participation will be encouraged through outreach programmes and roving exhibitions conveying green messages. Hong Chi trainees will also provide assistance in the campaign, so as to encourage social inclusion.

The Club has long been a staunch supporter of environmental protection. In 2008, the Club’s Charities Trust donated $350 million to initiate the Environment Project to raise public awareness of climate change and other environmental issues and to carry out extensive public education to foster sustainable development. In addition to funding Hong Chi’s Community Organic Farming Campaign and the Glass Bottle Recycling Campaign, the Project also supports international symposia and public forums.

To further demonstrate the Club’s commitment to environmental conservation as part of the Project, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course is the first in the world to introduce solar-powered golf carts. And to reduce carbon emission, solar-hybrid catamarans have also been brought in this year to carry passengers travelling between Kau Sai Chau and Sai Kung pier.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.6 billion in 2011. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$15 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.

The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So says green living, environmental protection and organic farming should not only take place at schools, as the studentsa£á? family members, their friends and teachers can also convey the message in the community.
The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So says green living, environmental protection and organic farming should not only take place at schools, as the studentsa£á? family members, their friends and teachers can also convey the message in the community.

The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (2nd left) joins Permanent Secretary for the Environment Anissa Wong (centre) and General Secretary of Hong Chi Association Aldan Kwok (2nd right) and two Hong Chi trainees to officiate at the launch ceremony.
The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (2nd left) joins Permanent Secretary for the Environment Anissa Wong (centre) and General Secretary of Hong Chi Association Aldan Kwok (2nd right) and two Hong Chi trainees to officiate at the launch ceremony.

The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (2nd row, 8th left), Permanent Secretary for the Environment Anissa Wong (2nd row, 9th left) and General Secretary of Hong Chi Association Aldan Kwok (2nd row, 10th left) pictured with the representatives of the co-organisers and students from the participating schools.
The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (2nd row, 8th left), Permanent Secretary for the Environment Anissa Wong (2nd row, 9th left) and General Secretary of Hong Chi Association Aldan Kwok (2nd row, 10th left) pictured with the representatives of the co-organisers and students from the participating schools.

Photos 4/5:<br>
Guests tour the exhibition.
Photos 4/5:
Guests tour the exhibition.


Two students from STFA Lee Shau Kee College, Eagle Cheung (right) and Tommy Tam (left) join the campaign again this year.
Two students from STFA Lee Shau Kee College, Eagle Cheung (right) and Tommy Tam (left) join the campaign again this year.

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