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Following is the speech delivered by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the 50th Anniversary Dinner of the International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) at the Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, this evening (December 2).
C P (Ho, Chairman of the ISSHK), Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening. It is a pleasure to join you on this memorable occasion and to celebrate with you the remarkable achievements of the International Social Service Hong Kong Branch. Let me first congratulate the ISS-Hong Kong on its 50th anniversary.
The vision of the Hong Kong Branch is: "To have children, individuals, families and migrants across countries live in dignity and harmony, and be contributing members to a just, humane and caring society."
For half a century, the ISS-Hong Kong has been striving to make this vision come true. With great passion and professionalism it has been providing quality social services to a wide range of clients, including children, youngsters and the elderly as well as separated families and new immigrants. It has also made good use of its extensive international network and overseas experiences to provide cross-boundary services such as the Intercountry Casework Service and Intercountry Adoption Service.
In view of the increasing number of families with members living separately in Hong Kong and in Guangdong Province, the ISS has set up family services centres in Guangdong in recent years to serve them. All these services have contributed tremendously to the building of a caring and harmonious society and should indeed be highly commended.
The Government regards the ISS-Hong Kong as our partner, working together not only in mainstream welfare services for Hong Kong people, but also on other fronts such as the provision of humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers and torture claimants. Your unique and invaluable contribution in this regard is much appreciated.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of the ISS-Hong Kong over the past 50 years, we also recognise the enormous contributions from corporations and individuals who share the same vision. They have generously given their time, expertise and resources to help the ISS further its objectives.
The Government strongly promotes volunteering and corporate social responsibility, as we believe they are instrumental to sustaining welfare services, and building a caring and harmonious society. I commend all who have supported the ISS-Hong Kong in this regard. Your commitment to serving people in need is a shining example to all members of our community.
Throughout its history, the ISS-Hong Kong and its supporters have demonstrated how, with enthusiasm and determination, one can live up to a noble cause and really make a difference.
I have no doubt you will continue to improve the lives of vulnerable members of our community for many years to come.
Once again, congratulations on your Golden Jubilee and I wish the ISS-Hong Kong every success in your future endeavours.
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:15
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