*********************************************************
With the Year of the Ox just around the corner, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-cheung, visited a singleton elder and an ethnic minority family this (January 22) afternoon to wish them well.
Mr Cheung first visited an 81-year-old lady in Kwai Chung Estate. He was glad to note that she lived well generally and that a front gate and a heater were installed last November under the Labour and Welfare Bureau's Home Environment Improvement Scheme for the Elderly.
He then visited a Pakistani family of seven in Kwai Fong Estate. The father of the family has lived in Hong Kong for over 30 years. Three of his five children were born and raised in Hong Kong and they are all studying here.
Mr Cheung chatted with him to find out how they were doing in Hong Kong and if they had any problems integrating into the community.
He said, "The ethnic minorities who treat Hong Kong as home deserve special care and understanding from us."
Mr Cheung gave the elder and the family gift packs and wished them a healthy and happy Year of the Ox.
Ends/Thursday, January 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:26
NNNN
