New TV series on HKJC's efforts to preserve and create jobs to be broadcast on TVB Jade from 5 April onwards
30 March 2009
Operating on a not-for-profit business model, The Hong Kong Jockey Club not only benefits the community through hundreds of charitable donations each year, but also contributes to the local job market both directly and indirectly. The Club provides some 25,000 full-time and part-time job opportunities for people from all walks of life, making it one of the city's largest employers, and at the same time helps sustain many smaller local businesses through its horse racing operations.
In the current financial turmoil which has led to a surging unemployment rate of 5 per cent, the Club's impact on Hong Kong's economy and people's livelihoods has become increasingly significant. To raise public awareness of the Club's efforts, a new 15-episode TV series entitled "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Preserves and Creates Jobs" has been produced. It will feature real-life stories about different people from the Club and other local businesses, whom the Club has stood by during each challenge that has arisen over the years. The stories all underline the Club's steadfast commitment to serve society.
The new series will be broadcast on TVB Jade at 7:30 pm every Sunday from 5 April to 12 July.
Synopses for the first five episodes are as follows:
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Episode
(Airing Date)
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Theme and Synopsis
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One
(5 April)
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Heroes behind the scenes I
As one of Hong Kong's largest employers, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has created numerous job opportunities for people from all walks of life. Backstage on each raceday, some 3,500 full-time and 10,000 part-time Club staff are involved in making the event smooth and successful. They work from before dawn to get everything properly in place and ensure the venues are ready to meet and greet racegoers.
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Two
(12 April)
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Heroes behind the scenes II
The race meeting starts! As visitors pour into the racecourse, the Club's staff are on the job -on-course betting staff processing betting slips, track attendants repairing the divots dug out by the horses' hooves and chefs busy keeping the racegoers well fed. Then as the meeting comes to a close, dozens more staff stand ready to sweep the litter away. They work until after dark and are last to leave the racecourse.
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Three
(19 April)
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Jobs at Telebet services
The Club's Telebet service has become one of its most popular betting channels. Its smooth running is thanks to the endeavours of its frontline staff, who include around 10,000 part-time Telebet Services assistants. During periods of economic downturn, part-time job opportunities such as these are an especially important and stable source of income for people like university students and housewives.
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Four
(26 April)
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Jobs at Off-course Betting Branches
The Club's Off-course Betting Branches are always at their busiest on racedays. Many housewives enjoy working part-time there to earn some extra bread and butter for their families, and find the flexi-hours well suited to their needs. One employee recounts how her income from the Club became the family's only means of support after her husband's business folded. At the same branch, a form five graduate is working hard to pursue his English studies with support from his boss and colleagues. Who says workplace relationships are all cold and uncaring?
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Five
(3 May)
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Boosting businesses for all walks of life
The Club's racing operations not only create direct job opportunities, they also benefit others from many walks of life indirectly. For people like taxi drivers who ferry passengers to and from the racecourses, the racing media and even the owners of small eateries located near the racecourses and Off-course Betting Branches, every raceday is a valuable booster to their businesses.
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Photo 1:
Heroes behind the scenes I
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Photo 2:
Heroes behind the scenes II
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Photo 3:
Jobs at Telebet services
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Photo 4:
Jobs at Off-course Betting Branches
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Photo 5:
Boosting businesses for all walks of life
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