Corporate News

Hong Kong Jockey Club and Heung Yee Kuk join hands to bring warmth to single elderly in remote villages

02/08/2014

With the gradual outflow of younger generations from rural villages, the number of single elderly in these villages is continually rising. As one of the city’s keen carers for elderly well-being, The Hong Kong Jockey Club today (8 February) announced a partnership with Heung Yee Kuk to launch the Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages, a new initiative in support of the Bless Hong Kong campaign. Under the programme, the Club's CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team will organise volunteer services for thousands of single elderly in remote villages, bringing them friendship and care.

At today's opening ceremony at Sha Tin Racecourse, HKSAR Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam was joined by the Club's Chairman T. Brian Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Kim Mak; and the Heung Yee Kuk's Chairman Dr Lau Wong-fat and Vice-Chairman Cheung Hok-ming.

Mr Stevenson said the Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages was the first major community project to be announced under the new Bless Hong Kong campaign. The Club’s CARE volunteers will collaborate with rural committees under the Heung Yee Kuk to organise volunteer services for the single elderly in New Territories villages. “It is a timely initiative that will not only benefit the elderly living in rural villages, but also help the Club’s volunteers to learn more of the history and cultural traditions of the New Territories,” he said.

Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Heung Yee Kuk for taking forward the project, describing it as an excellent demonstration of cross-sector collaboration. “The Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages echoes the first theme of the Bless Hong Kong campaign, 'February for the Elderly',” she noted.  “There is a Chinese idiom that puts it well, 'An elderly person at home is a treasure you own'. The elderly have made significant contributions to the development of our city and certainly deserve our respect and care.”

Dr Lau said the Heung Yee Kuk and The Hong Kong Jockey Club were committed to serve the general public and had worked closely as trusted community partners. The joint efforts of the Kuk and the Club would strengthen the provision of social services to residents in rural areas, he remarked.

Under the programme, the Club's CARE volunteers will provide the elderly villagers with basic body checks such as measuring blood pressure and weight, as well as teaching them simple exercises and healthy lifestyle tips. Free hair-cutting and basic household cleaning and maintenance services will also be provided if necessary.  The first visit will begin in March.

The CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team provides a platform through which the Club's full-time, part-time and retired employees can contribute to the community and improve the quality of life of Hong Kong people. Since its inception in 2005, the elderly have been a main service target of the team.  Aiming to share warmth and care, the team has been paying regular visits to elderly people living at home and in care centres in Sham Shui Po and other districts.

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 he hopes the Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages can bring warmth and care to single elderly people living there and also help the Cluba£į?s volunteers learn more of the history and cultural traditions of the New Territories.
Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson says he hopes the Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages can bring warmth and care to single elderly people living there and also help the Cluba£į?s volunteers learn more of the history and cultural traditions of the New Territories.

Mrs Lam expresses her gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Heung Yee Kuk for taking forward the Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages.
Mrs Lam expresses her gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Heung Yee Kuk for taking forward the Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages.

Photo 3, 4: Toasting the success of the programme at today's opening ceremony are HKSAR Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam (fourth from right); the Club's Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (third from right), Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (second from left) and Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Kim Mak (right); and the Heung Yee Kuk's Chairman Dr Lau Wong-fat (third from left), Vice-Chairman Cheung Hok-ming (left) and Chief of General Affairs Chung Wai-ping (second from right).
Photo 3, 4: Toasting the success of the programme at today's opening ceremony are HKSAR Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam (fourth from right); the Club's Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (third from right), Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (second from left) and Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Kim Mak (right); and the Heung Yee Kuk's Chairman Dr Lau Wong-fat (third from left), Vice-Chairman Cheung Hok-ming (left) and Chief of General Affairs Chung Wai-ping (second from right).


Officiating guests and members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team join a group photo on stage.
Officiating guests and members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team join a group photo on stage.

Photo 6, 7: The elderly have been a main service target of the CARE Volunteer Team, who have been paying regular visits to elderly people living at home and in care centres since the team's inception in 2005.
Photo 6, 7: The elderly have been a main service target of the CARE Volunteer Team, who have been paying regular visits to elderly people living at home and in care centres since the team's inception in 2005.


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