***********************************

The Senior Citizen Card Scheme has been well received by the elderly people and commercial sector since its implementation in 1994, with more than 750,000 cards issued up to the end of August this year and currently over 8,400 registered as participating organizations and companies, a Social Welfare Department (SWD) spokesman said today (September 10).

The purpose of the Scheme is to recognize the contribution of the elderly ever made to society and to promote a spirit of community respect and care for them.

The card provides a generally recognized proof of age to elders so as to facilitate their access to concessions, discounts or priority services offered by Government departments, public companies and private and commercial establishments.

While expressing appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of the companies, the spokesman appealed for more organizations to join the Scheme, noting that the Scheme representing a large and stable clientele would help expand businesses and enhance the corporate image of care for the community.

The application procedure for the card is simple. All Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above are eligible to apply by filling in a form and send it, together with a photograph and a photocopy of the applicant's Hong Kong Identity Card, to the Senior Citizen Card Office of the SWD at Room 2361, 23/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai.

Application forms are available at SWD's service units, estate offices of the Housing Department, public enquiry offices and community centres of the Home Affairs Department and the social centres for the elderly. The form can also be downloaded from SWD's homepage at http://www.info.gov.hk/swd .

First application of the card is free but a nominal fee of $22 will be charged for replacement. For more details, please contact the Senior Citizen Card Office at 2961 7580 during office hours.

End/Tuesday, September 10, 2002

NNNN