Press Releases

In the midst of exceptionally challenging times, the Chest concluded its 2021/2022 campaign year on a high note, as it raised nearly HK$278 million, beating the initial target of HK$245 million by 13%.

 

“The fundraising result demonstrates vividly that Hong Kong people are always ready to open their hearts and wallets in times of difficulties so that the underprivileged will not be abandoned,” Mr Charles Lee, the Chest’s outgoing President, said at the corporation’s 53rd Annual General Meeting, which was held today (27 June).

 

The funds allowed the Chest to fulfil its funding pledges to 168 member agencies. Nearly HK$300 million have been allocated in the current year to fund various social welfare services, initiatives and special funds with designated purposes. The shortfall between the allocations and donations raised would be drawn from the Chest’s donation reserve to ensure uninterrupted services to the community.

 

As the fifth COVID wave continued to ravage the economy and people’s livelihoods, the Pandemic Rainbow Fund reopened for the fourth round of applications in April this year to provide immediate financial support to those in need. Since its launch in mid-February 2020, nearly HK81 million had been disbursed in support of more than 29,500 beneficiaries through three rounds of applications.

 

The Chest always strives to meet the needs of the community. In 2022/2023, it admitted three organisations, namely Hong Kong Kidney Foundation Limited, Love 21 Foundation Limited and People Service Centre Limited, as member agencies. The new admissions bring the total number of member agencies to 168.

 

At the first Board meeting of 2022/2023, which was held immediately after the AGM, Mrs Janet Lee, the wife of Chief Executive-elect Mr John Lee, was elected as President of the Chest, continuing with the long-standing tradition of having the spouse of the Chief Executive to be the Chest’s President.

 

Twelve members were elected to the Board of Directors (see backgrounder for details) at the AGM. Also, the Chest thanked the four retiring Board members, Dr Kong Tak-ho, Dr Simon Kwok, Dr Gerald Siu and Mr Douglas C K Woo, for their invaluable contributions.

 

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Photo:

Outgoing President Mr Charles Y K Lee (4th left) chairs the 53rd Annual General Meeting with Executive Committee Chairman Dr Simon Kwok (3rd left), 2021/2022 Campaign Committee Chairman Mr Donald Lam (3rd right), Public Relations Committee Chairman Dr Pamela Chan (2nd right), Admissions, Budgets and Allocations Committee Chairman Mr Charles Yang (2nd left), Treasurer Mr Raymund Chao (1st right) and Secretary of the Board Ms Cecilia Li (1st left).

 

Backgrounder