Corporate News

Jockey Club funds fourfold expansion of social services centre

11/29/2013

The St James’ Settlement (SJS) today (29 November) officially reopened its Jockey Club Social Services Building on Kennedy Road after a two-year HK$138 million redevelopment, the largest single donation from the Club’s Charities Trust to SJS to date. The new 15-storey building offering diversified services to the Wanchai community, is four times the size of the original centre.

Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson joined HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng, Archbishop and Primate of the Province of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui and SJS President The Most Revd. Dr Paul Kwong, SJS Chairman Dr David Li and other guests to officiate at the opening ceremony.

Mr Stevenson said the Jockey Club’s efforts, just like St James’s were aimed at supporting the Government’s policies on social welfare, by providing a wide range of complementary services that meet the diverse needs of young people, families and the elderly, as well as offering rehabilitation opportunities for those with disabilities. 

“We are glad to be a supporter of this new Social Services Building which will offer a comprehensive range of welfare and educational services to address community needs in Wanchai, benefiting thousands of local residents every year”, he commented.

With a total area of over 10,000m2, the SJS Jockey Club Social Services Building allows more welfare and educational services to be provided under one roof.  Key new facilities under the Jockey Club umbrella are Youth AimHigh, a training centre to equip young people with needed skills for their career; Endeavour Workshop where the disabled can work together with young designers on creating value-added products from discarded materials; and Artspiration Academy which offers training to the disabled to nurture their artistic potential after the completion of secondary education. 

Other services available in the new building include vocational training for the disabled, elderly adventure-based training, and an after-school care service centre. 

Since 1953, the Club has donated over $224 million to SJS, which have funded, apart from the redevelopment, such projects as an upcycling programme, St James’ Settlement Jockey Club Hot Meal Service, Jockey Club Charles Kao Brain Health Services, Community Classroom: Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation, Employment and Training Programme for Vulnerable Groups and Youngsters under the Trust's Community Project Grant; and SkyHigh Creative Partners.

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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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.

Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson says the SJS Jockey Club Social Services Building offers a comprehensive range of welfare and educational services to address community needs in Wanchai, benefiting thousands of local residents every year.
Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson says the SJS Jockey Club Social Services Building offers a comprehensive range of welfare and educational services to address community needs in Wanchai, benefiting thousands of local residents every year.

Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson (3rd left) joins HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Carrie Lam (3rd right), Archbishop and primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui SJS President The Most Revd. Dr Paul Kwong (2nd right), SJS Chairman Dr David Li (2nd left), and other guests to officiate at the opening ceremony.
Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson (3rd left) joins HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Carrie Lam (3rd right), Archbishop and primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui SJS President The Most Revd. Dr Paul Kwong (2nd right), SJS Chairman Dr David Li (2nd left), and other guests to officiate at the opening ceremony.

Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson (centre) receives a souvenir from HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Carrie Lam (right) and SJS Chairman Dr David Li (left).
Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson (centre) receives a souvenir from HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Carrie Lam (right) and SJS Chairman Dr David Li (left).

Photos 4/5/6/7/8:<br>
Officiating guests tour the new building.
Photos 4/5/6/7/8:
Officiating guests tour the new building.





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