Club takes lead to give People's Food Bank tide-over support

1 January 2009

Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club John C C Chan and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges announced today (1 January) that the Club, through its Charities Trust, would donate HK$2 million to St. James' Settlement to support its People's Food Bank and ensure that it can provide continued food assistance services to the needy.

The Club has long been committed to contributing to the community and takes a proactive approach in addressing society's needs.  Due to increases in food prices and the unemployment rate, more people are now seeking food assistance from the People's Food Bank, operated by St. James' Settlement, and its 81 partner organisations.  In order to ensure that these services will not be disrupted while Government funding is being put in place, the Club approached St. James' Settlement and has allocated a HK$2 million donation as a tide-over grant to the Food Bank to ensure a continuous food supply over the Chinese New Year period.

Mr Chan said that over its 125-year history, the Club had been devoted to working for the betterment of society. ''This speedy donation demonstrates our commitment to proactively identify and address society's needs, as well as our flexibility in handling imminent challenges,'' he said.

Speaking at today's donation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement, Michael Lai, expressed his sincere thanks to the Club for its donation to support the People's Food Bank.  ''Though The Hong Kong Jockey Club is facing a decrease in income resulting from the financial turmoil, it still stands ready to meet emergency needs or fund special projects, providing invaluable support to NGOs and the disadvantaged in Hong Kong,'' he said.  ''We look forward to further co-operation with the Club in the future.''

Established by St. James' Settlement in 2003, the People's Food Bank aims to provide low-income families and those in need with temporary free food assistance.