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    The acting Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (May 21) that to realise our vision of a caring society, the Government would continue to provide specialised support services to those in need. The Government will continue its efforts to create an environment in which all people can develop their potential.

    He made the comments after visiting the HK Bank Foundation Hong Chi Fung Tak Centre and the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Chuk Yuen Canon Martin District Elderly Community Centre in Wong Tai Sin.  

    "Both the Government and people working in the social welfare sector spare no effort in providing the elderly and less fortunate members of the community with a physical and social environment that helps them become self-reliant and integrate into our community," he said.

    "Faced with economic restructuring and social change, those in the social welfare sector, whether they work in the Government or the non-government organisation (NGO) sector, are doing a remarkable job in achieving these goals under enormous pressure. Their contributions in providing services to citizens in need and fostering a harmonious society in Hong Kong are greatly appreciated.

    "The Government will continue to support them while consolidating our partnership with the NGO sector," Mr Tsang added.

    The HK Bank Foundation Hong Chi Fung Tak Centre is a day activity centre that provides day care and training to the mentally handicapped. The training helps the mentally handicapped to become more independent in their daily lives and prepares them for better integration into the community.

    During his tour, Mr Tsang joined trainees for tea and watched them receiving computer and rehabilitation training.

    He also took the opportunity to meet and chat with the parents of some trainees to learn about the problems they encountered in bringing up their children.

    The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Chuk Yuen Canon Martin District Elderly Community Centre provides a wide range of services to about 1,300 elderly members, including education and development programmes, social and recreational activities, counselling, and meal and laundry services.

    The centre operates a Support Team for the Elderly, which provides social networking and outreach services to vulnerable senior members of the society. It also develops elderly volunteer programmes to encourage elderly citizens to contribute to the community by taking part in voluntary work. Of its 845 volunteers, 225 are senior citizens. The team currently provides services to more than 1,500 old people.

    During his visit to the centre, the Acting Chief Executive enjoyed a variety of performances by the elderly, including Chinese dance, Tai Chi, and a performance of harmonica, saxophone and violin.

    Mr Tsang then toured the centre to see its various facilities and services, including a computer class and rehabilitation therapy. He also shared his views on Chinese calligraphy with some of the elderly.

    Before concluding his visit, Mr Tsang visited an 82-year-old woman in Chuk Yeun (North) Estate. She is an experienced volunteer of the Chuk Yuen Canon Martin District Elderly Community Centre's Support Team for the Elderly.

    "I am heartened to learn that despite her advanced age, she remains very active in helping and visiting other senior citizens. She and other elderly volunteers have made valuable contributions in fostering mutual care and support in the community. They deserve our deep respect," Mr Tsang said.

Ends/Saturday, May 21, 2005

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