The rising demand for affordable hot meals among the elderly and the underprivileged has prompted The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to donate HK$19.7 million to the St. James’ Settlement to cover the cost of equipping and running a kitchen in East Kowloon to prepare hot meals with donated surplus food for the needy. The Trust’s donation covers the operating costs for two and a half years and purchase of a delivery van and other essential equipment.
Today (30 July), Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai joined Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung, St. James’ Settlement (SJS) Vice Chairman Michael Leung and Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Luk to officiate at the launching ceremony of St. James’ Settlement Jockey Club Hot Meal Service.
Dr Fan expected the Project would have served about 2.5 million hot meals to the needy by late 2015 and would recover some 30 tons of surplus food in the first year alone. “To help more people and build a green city, the Club has also recently funded Food Angel to set up a new kitchen for serving hot meals in West Kowloon and the New Territories. With concerted efforts, we are confident that such kind of service will be proven successful.”
In recognition of the Trust’s contribution, Mr Leung thanked the Trust for not only supporting the Service with a generous donation, but also proactively liaising with welfare groups through the Club’s network to ensure smooth operation.
The 165-square-metre central kitchen in Kwun Tong now provides about 800 balanced and nutritious meals a day using surplus food donated by outlets including supermarkets, hotels and wet markets. The meal boxes, with cooked vegetables, meat, staples, fruit and sometimes soup, will be delivered to the service centres of 20 district partners under the Project, covering East Kowloon and nearby areas. Subscribers may enjoy their meals at the service hubs while the elderly and the disabled can have home delivery with the help of volunteers.
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$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 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.
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Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai expects the Project will have served about 2.5 million hot meals to the needy by late 2015 and will recover some 30 tons of surplus food in the first year alone.
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Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai (3rd left), Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung (3rd right), St. Jamesa£á? Settlement Vice Chairman Michael Leung (2nd right) and Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Luk (2nd left), service user Wong Sai-nui (1st right) and volunteer Ah Man (1st left) officiate at the launching ceremony of St. Jamesa£á? Settlement Jockey Club Hot Meal Service.
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Photos 3, 4:
The central kitchen in Kwun Tong is equipped with an array of new facilities. Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai (photo 3, left), Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung (photo 3, centre), St. Jamesa£á? Settlement Vice Chairman Michael Leung (photo 3, right) taste the food and help fill a meal box for the St. Jamesa£á? Settlement Jockey Club Hot Meal Service.
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