***********************************************************
The Home Affairs Bureau and the Social Enterprise Advisory Committee (SEAC) is holding the Social Enterprise Bazaar (SE Bazaar) from November 25 to 27 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) to enhance public awareness of social enterprise (SE) and encourage the general public to support SEs and promote caring consumption.
The SE Bazaar opening cum award presentation ceremony for the SE Award Scheme (Award Scheme) and "Be a Friend to SE" Campaign (Campaign) was held today (November 25). Officiating at the ceremony were the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang; Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing; Convenor of the sub-committee on SE Bazaar, Dr Alice Chong; Convenor of the sub-committee on the Award Scheme, Mr Howard Ling; Convenor of the sub-committee on the Campaign, Mr Siu Chor-kee; and the Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Hong Kong, Ms Anita Fung.
"The SE Bazaar provides an exchange platform for all parties. On the one hand, SEs are given a great opportunity to introduce their products or services to the business sector, the media and the general public. On the other hand, the general public will have a better understanding of the social value of SEs and pitch in to promote caring consumption," said Mr Donald Tsang.
Mr Donald Tsang was pleased to witness the success of the awardees. He noted that the eight outstanding SEs have demonstrated the value of SEs and their care for people by satisfying the needs of different community groups with their innovative thinking and business approach. The three outstanding Friends of SE have also shown the importance of cross-sector collaboration in fostering SE development.
"The Government will continue to join hands with SEAC and different sectors of the community to promote the sustainable development of social enterprise," Mr Donald Tsang said.
The Award Scheme aims to give recognition to successful SEs while the Campaign gives recognises organisations or individuals that have provided support to SEs in order to solicit more public support for SE development. In the coming weeks, heightened publicity will be launched on the success stories of the SE awardees as well as the partnership between the Outstanding Friends of SE and the SEs concerned to help the public to better understand and support SE development. The lists of the awardees are listed below:
2011 Outstanding Social Enterprises
(in alphabetical order)
------------------------------------
CookEasy
Dialogue in the Dark HK Limited
Easy Home Services
Fullness Christian Social Enterprise Limited
Gingko House
iBakery
Personal Emergency Link
Tai Kok Tsui Mrs Mc
2011 Outstanding Friends of Social Enterprise
(in alphabetical order)
---------------------------------------------
CSL Limited
iBakery Angels
The Hongkong and China Gas Co Ltd
The SE Bazaar provides a platform for over 60 SEs of different trades which operate and create social impact in Hong Kong to promote their products or services. The scope of the exhibits includes five main areas including support services, food and beverages, daily commodities and education, fashion and services for elderly. There are also interesting stage performances and interactive workshops, including hip-hop performances, a magic show and an organic DIY workshop. Visitors who fill in the survey during the SE Bazaar can participate in the lucky draw to win valuable gifts. The SE Bazaar takes place from November 25 to 27 at the HKCEC. The opening hours are from 10am to 8pm (November 25 and 26) and from 10am to 6pm (November 27). Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Ends/Friday, November 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:22
NNNN
