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The following is issued on behalf of the Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee:
The Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee (PWFAC) today (June 7) launched the 16-day "Ping Wo Fund X Chocolate Rain" Roadshow, the highlight of a large-scale territory-wide joint promotional campaign under the slogan "Lead a Healthy Life, Don't Gamble" to discourage football gambling in the run-up to the World Cup 2014.
Held at the Excelsior Plaza in Causeway Bay from today until June 22, the roadshow includes a thematic exhibition featuring popular Chocolate Rain characters and an array of enjoyable activities to deliver anti-football gambling messages and promote football as a healthy and enjoyable sport.
Officiating at the roadshow launch ceremony were the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing; the Chairman of the PWFAC, Dr Yau Wing-kwong; and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Mr John P Ribeiro.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tsang said, "To promote a healthy environment for football in Hong Kong, the Ping Wo Fund and Home Affairs Bureau are running a series of activities during the World Cup to enhance public awareness of the negative impact of excessive gambling. It is our first time this year to launch the campaign in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force to organise publicity events at the district level and territory-wide. It is the largest anti-football gambling campaign ever organised in Hong Kong, involving more than 70 organisations and schools and over 100 activities."
Dr Yau mentioned that Ping Wo Fund, established in 2003, has been financing public education to prevent and alleviate problems relating to gambling. Through various channels, we aim to enhance the public's understanding of the problems of gambling and the support available to problem gamblers, and to instil positive values in young people to protect them from gambling harm.
This year's campaign is led by the Ping Wo Fund and co-organised by the Home Affairs Bureau and the Police with the help from different social sectors including districts and schools, treatment centres and youth organisations, local artists, the catering industry and the media. In addition to counselling and treatment services provided by professional centres, a variety of promotional activities have also been organised, including educational activities such as drama and school competitions as well as district-level activities including a football competition, a thematic exhibition and radio shows.
For the first time, the Ping Wo Fund has collaborated with local brand Chocolate Rain to design promotional material for free distribution among the community. The 16-day roadshow at the Excelsior Plaza will display giant figures set in a football ground scene based on the old days. Performances will be held over weekends along with interactive games and social media promotions. Details can be found at www.facebook.com/donotgamble.
Ends/Saturday, June 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:06
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