The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, today (June 20) visited Wan Chai District and Islands District, and distributed gift packs under the Celebrations for All project in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, extending warm regards to the disadvantaged and the underprivileged.

     Accompanied by the District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr Rick Chan, and the Acting District Social Welfare Officer (Eastern/Wan Chai), Mr Kenneth Tsang, Dr Law officiated at the launch ceremony of the Celebrations for All project in Wan Chai District. Addressing the ceremony, Dr Law said, "Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, the support from the Central Government, donations from Chinese enterprises and the reinforcement from temporary contract care workers from the Mainland provide solid backing for Hong Kong in the epidemic fight. Despite various crises since our return to the motherland, Hong Kong people always rise up to the challenge with resilience and determination, turning crises into opportunities, and emerged stronger."

     He noted that the Government is committed to caring for the underprivileged and sharing the joy with them, in the realisation of "celebrations for all". "Recent developments of the epidemic may bring anxiety to grass-roots citizens and our elderly, and we should heighten vigilance. With the mutual support in the neighbourhoods, the community care and support bring timely relief to people in need," he said.

     Dr Law visited a single elderly person in the district after the launch ceremony. Prior to the visit to Wan Chai District, accompanied by the District Officer (Islands), Miss Amy Yeung, he visited elderly doubletons and a grass-roots family in Tung Chung. Dr Law reminded them to make good use of the masks, rapid test kits and handrub in the gift packs for personal protection during festive celebrations.

     Dr Law thanked local and welfare organisations pitching in with manpower and resources. Apart from distributing anti-epidemic supplies during COVID-19, they also arranged for volunteers to visit people in need, such as elderly doubletons, persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities, and distributed gift packs, showing the importance of social capital.

Ends/Monday, June 20, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:05

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