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The Director of Social Welfare (DSW), Mr Patrick Nip, and members of the Management Committee of the Tang Shiu Kin and Ho Tim Charitable Fund (the Fund), including advisors Mr Richard Tang and Mr Hamilton Ho, today (January 6) hosted an annual reception and distributed lai see packets to residents of elderly homes in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Speaking at the reception, Mr Nip said, "The annual distribution of lai see packets to elders by the Fund during the Chinese New Year period has demonstrated and promoted the venerable Chinese tradition of respecting the elderly and taking care of the disadvantaged.
"As in previous years, the Fund also allocated some $2.9 million to the Social Welfare Department in 2010-2011 as social relief grants for more than 850 cases, providing immediate financial assistance to individuals and families in need.
"I would like to sincerely thank all members of the Management Committee of the Fund for their long-time support and care for those in need."
Attending the reception today were about 40 elders, aged between 75 and 99. The Fund presented a spectacular show to the elders and treated them to a lavish and healthy lunch, sending them best wishes for a happy New Year and good health.
The Fund was founded by the late Sir Shiu-kin Tang and the late Dr Ho Tim in 1977 with the DSW Incorporated acting as the trustee of the Fund under 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 of the Fund 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, disaster victims, the chronically ill, the disabled, single parent families and the elderly.
The weather in Hong Kong has been persistently cold over the past few days. With the temperature in the urban areas dropping to around 10 degrees Celsius last night, Mr Nip paid a visit to street sleepers in the Yau Tsim Mong District.
After being briefed by the Salvation Army's Integrated Services Team (IST) for Street Sleepers and calling at its Yee On Hostel, Mr Nip joined social workers and volunteers to reach out to street sleepers and bring them blankets, clothes and food. He also listened to them and looked into their cases, which will be further followed up by the IST.
Mr Nip also visited some former street sleepers and was pleased to learn that they had adopted a different way of life after receiving social workers' counselling and support services. In addition to securing long-term accommodation, they had also taken the initiative to participate in various activities and volunteer services to integrate into the community. Mr Nip encouraged them to continue with their efforts to help themselves and serve others.
Ends/Friday, January 6, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:59
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