SWD joins Tang Shiu Kin and Ho Tim Charitable Fund to host spring reception and celebrate Lunar New Year with elderly (with photos)
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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) and the Management Committee of the Tang Shiu Kin and Ho Tim Charitable Fund (the Fund) today (January 16) hosted a spring reception for the elderly and presented lai see packets to them in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year. The Director of Social Welfare (DSW), Miss Charmaine Lee, joined the advisors of the Fund, Mr Richard Tang and Mr Hamilton Ho, together with members of the Management Committee at the event to send their warm and sincere regards to the elderly.
Speaking at the reception, Miss Lee said that the Fund, since its inception in 1977, has been committed to providing emergency financial assistance to needy families and individuals to help tide them over difficulties. The Fund granted $1.21 million for 284 approved cases in 2022-23, and approved another 175 applications totaling $0.79 million from April to November 2023. The Fund has approved and earmarked a total sum of $3 million for the SWD to disburse as social relief grants for the coming fiscal year.
She pointed out that the Fund upholds the philanthropic spirit of the two founders, providing not only emergency relief for people in need, but also promoting the venerable tradition of respecting the elderly and helping the disadvantaged. She expressed her sincere gratitude to the Fund. About 40 elderly persons attended the reception today. The Fund has prepared performances as well as a festive lunch to wish the elderly a happy and healthy year ahead.
Miss Lee added that the Government is committed to uniting people and drawing on the efforts of the Government, the business sector, and the community to work together for a better society. The Fund, with a history of 46 years and founded by the late entrepreneur Sir Tang Shiu-kin and the late banker Dr Tim Ho, with the SWD serving as the administrator and approving authority, and participated in by non-governmental organisations the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk, is indeed a pioneer in tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community. The annual donations of the Fund have provided emergency financial assistance to individuals or families in need. It also demonstrates the devotion of the business sector to contribute to the community. She hoped that more generous individuals and organisations can join the tripartite collaboration with the Government to help the disadvantaged.
The Fund appointed the DSW Incorporated as the trustee of the Fund in accordance with Chapter 1096 of the Laws of Hong Kong. Members of the Management Committee include descendants of the founders (advisors), prominent members of the community and representatives from relevant government departments, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk. The objective is to provide timely financial assistance to needy individuals and families in emergency situations for which other sources may not be applicable or readily available. Recipients of the Fund include the unemployed, victims of disasters, the chronically ill, the disabled, single parent families and the elderly.