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To complement the relief efforts of the Mainland authorities at this stage, the most direct and effective way to support earthquake victims is to support earthquake relief donations in Hong Kong, a Government spokesman said today (May 29).
Individual voluntary groups are advised not to make their own arrangement to travel to the quake-hit areas to undertake voluntary work, so as not to affect the current relief work on the Mainland.
"We would like to extend our gratitude to those who are eager to sign up as volunteers and help out victims in the disaster zones," the spokesman said.
"However, taking into account the latest situation on the ground, voluntary groups and volunteers should not go to quake-hit areas for the time being, except for those professional relief teams which have made arrangements through the relevant Mainland authorities."
The spokesman appealed to those who planned to sign up as volunteers to provide their contact details to international relief agencies, such as Hong Kong World Vision and the Hong Kong Committee of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), or register with the "Rebuild Sichuan Volunteer Programme" co-organised by the Agency for Volunteer Service and RTHK starting from June 2, 2008, so that the relevant organisations could get in touch with them as and when necessary to support the Mainland Government's earthquake relief work.
"Earthquake relief and reconstruction work is going to be a long process. We are sure that many Hong Kong people will have the opportunity to offer their help and support to the earthquake victims in different ways."
During this period, people and groups may continue to make donations to support relief work, which is the most direct and effective way to help the quake victims.
* For cheque donations:
The 20 Public Enquiry Service Centres of the 18 District Offices of the Home Affairs Department, and all post offices.
(Cheques should be addressed to "The Secretary for Home Affairs Incorporated – Donations".)
* For cheque and cash donations
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd. (HSBC) account number "004-502-256803-001"; or
Bank of China (BOC) account number "012-875-0-039683-3".
Ends/Thursday, May 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:30
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