The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Saturday the launch of JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER, a major HK$300 million initiative to promote volunteerism in the community.
JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER is a five-year project to comprehensively promote citywide volunteerism. Launched in collaboration with 12 partner organizations it is designed to encourage and mobilize students, people aged above 50 and retirees as well as the general public to do good for the community.
The announcement was made at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day, which returned after a three-year hiatus due to the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Today’s event – themed “Racing for Charity - Citywide Volunteerism” – was held at Sha Tin Racecourse and was attended by over 200 representatives.
The event was officiated by Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, Club Chairman Michael Lee Tzs-hau, Club Deputy Chairman Eric Li Ka-cheung, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, and JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Advisory Committee Convenor Stephen Cheung Yan-Leung.
Club Chairman Michael Lee said, “We see JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER as hugely beneficial for Hong Kong. A win-win for both the volunteers and for those they help.
“Above all a way to bring our community together – young and old, and from all walks of life – giving them a personal stake in the welfare of our city and the betterment of our society.”
Meanwhile, labor chief Chris Sun expressed his appreciation for the Club’s many contributions to volunteer service development. He also hoped that JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER would encourage many more people to donate their time, bringing hope and care to those in need.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day is an opportunity to honor the Club’s successful partnerships with Government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions and all those who contribute to the betterment of the society.
Together with its partners, the Club initiates and co-creates programmes targeting emerging or unmet community needs, while also working to build capacity in the community.
That bond became even stronger during the pandemic, with the Club approving HK$2.9 billion on top of its regular charity donations to help 2,300 community organizations, care homes, schools and kindergartens.