Jockey Club and Sichuan jointly promote sustainable development of post-earthquake reconstruction projects

05/08/2015

Following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake tragedy, The Hong Kong Jockey Club pledged HK$1 billion towards seven post-earthquake reconstruction projects to support the redevelopment of Sichuan. These seven projects have now been completed, and to reinforce the close partnership between Hong Kong and Sichuan, the Club and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Sichuan Provincial Peoples’ Government today (8 May) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Both parties agreed that the funds remaining out of the pledged HK$1 billion will be used for the sustainable development of the existing seven projects with a view to deepening cooperation and exchange.

Officiating guests at the MOU signing ceremony included Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip, Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Kim Mak, Governor of Sichuan Province Wei Hong, Deputy Secretary-General of Sichuan Province Cai Jing, Director of Department of Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs, Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Mu Xinhai and Director of Sichuan Provincial Development and Reform Commission Tang Limin. The MOU was signed by representatives of the two parties - Kim Mak and Mu Xinhai - with attending guests serving as witnesses. 

Under the bilateral agreement, the funds remaining from the seven Sichuan Reconstruction Projects will be used for the sustainable development of the projects and for the sustainable development of charitable cooperation  projects recognised by both parties.

Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip said that as a result of the joint efforts of the Club and Sichuan, the hardware and software components of the Club-supported reconstruction projects have now been successfully completed. Dr Ip thanked the Sichuan Provincial Government, in particular, the Provincial Hong Kong & Macao Office, the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and other related departments for their support.  He added that it was pleasing, in the year of the Club’s 130th anniversary, to see co-operation between the Club and Sichuan entering a new phase. He believed the Club’s further cooperation with Sichuan to support the sustainable development of the Sichuan Reconstruction Projects will be of great benefit to the communities in the areas involved.

Club-funded Sichuan reconstruction projects
A massive earthquake, measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale, struck Sichuan Province in 2008.  More than 80,000 people were killed and some five million made homeless. Many of the survivors – including thousands of schoolchildren – suffered from physical injuries and lost limbs.  The Hong Kong Jockey Club made an emergency donation of HK$30 million to support immediate relief work. It later pledged HK$1 billion towards post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Sichuan. In November 2008, the Club and the Sichuan Provincial Government signed memorandums of understanding on four projects to help reconstruct schools and hospital facilities in the worst affected areas. These projects were aimed at helping people of different backgrounds and ages so as to bring the maximum benefit to victims of the disaster, to bring new hope to the victims and encourage them to achieve their full potential.  In 2010, the Club signed further reconstruction agreements on three new projects, focused on helping to re-establish vocational training, nurturing professionals in disaster management, enhancing critically-needed rehabilitation expertise and facilities, and strengthening reconstruction in the longer term.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs.  Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects.  In 2013/14, its donations reached a record $3.6 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,275 projects.  The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$19.58 billion in 2013/14. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,800 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong. Please visit 130.hkjc.com.