SHKP Chairman and Managing Director Raymond Kwok (front, middle), Deputy Managing Director Mike Wong (second left, front row) and Executive Directors Adam Kwok (front, third left) and Christopher Kwok (front, fourth right) presenting cheques
Encouraging healthy lifestyles is a priority for SHKP and last year it staged the SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Hong Kong ICC and was the title and charity sponsor of the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon. Proceeds from the two events with additional donations from SHKP amounted to HK$8.68 million, which went to charity organizations serving underprivileged children and youths in Hong Kong.
Cheques for proceeds from the two events were presented at a recent ceremony for beneficiaries The Community Chest of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association, J Life Foundation and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. SHKP Chairman and Managing Director Raymond Kwok told the audience: "Young people are the future pillars of society. They deserve to grow up healthy and happy, but many from less-fortunate families face difficulties for various reasons. Projects funded by SHKP this year will help the physical and mental development of children disadvantaged by sudden family changes, poor living conditions or lack of educational support."
Services offered by the recipient organizations vary. The Rainbow with Kids scheme from the Council of Social Service is meant for under-18s with troubles like losing parents, domestic violence or divorce in the previous 12 months, while the SHKP Health Angel – Child Health Promotion Project by The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association is to improve health awareness and related life skills in underprivileged families so they have positive attitudes and habits. The J Life Foundation operating in Sham Shui Po helps equip less-fortunate children with life skills at an early age with the SHKP Starting Line Project, while the Federation of Youth Groups' SHKP Smart Kids Learning Project will offer academic support to students from disadvantaged families. Donations through the Community Chest will support child and youth programmes by Suicide Prevention Services, the Hong Kong PHAB Association, Hans Andersen Club, Mother's Choice and The Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Social Service. All these programmes for underprivileged children and young people in need should help bring hope and show care throughout society.