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(Hong Kong, 11 August 2012) Over 600 creative and caring Hong Kong citizens representing 337 projects, partied together today to share their visions and their dedication towards Hong Kong in a sharing ceremony for the third round of "Love Ideas Love HK".
At the event, two projects, "Endless Love" for the mentally handicapped proposed by Hong Chi District Support Centre (NT North) and "Migrants Care and Support Network" by foreign workers' support group MFMW Limited, won the Professional Awards, a new category of funding introduced in this round. The winners were chosen by a panel formed by independent and notable individuals invited by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service ("HKCSS") and St James' Settlement, the consulting and supporting organizations. Each project was awarded a total of HKD1,000,000.
The "Endless Love" project focuses on skillset training for the mentally handicapped through green farming initiatives, of which yields from the field will be distributed to disabled persons, low-income families and elderly-a virtuous cycle of giving and receiving. Members of the judging panel applauded the project's innovative way to integrate the mentally handicapped into society, to feel needed and be loved like everyone else.
MFMW's project aims to establish a network to provide psychological counselling and emotional support to foreign domestic helpers working in Hong Kong. Though an acute need is pressing, the judges reckoned that there is scant financial help for projects dedicated to support Hong Kong's foreign domestic helpers. Building on the spirit of inclusiveness for a harmonious society, MFMW's project will serve foreign domestic helpers from different ethnic groups and develop a Chinese language website to foster better understanding and cooperation with local organisations.
In Round 3, a total of HKD49,000,000 was awarded for 337 projects.
Through a video link, LKSF Chairman Mr Li Ka-shing joined the party and thanked all participants for their commitment and love to Hong Kong.
He said that the world has too many hard-to-resolve problems and challenges, and the only viable way forward lies within the community's spirit of giving and our citizens' commitment to participate, to care and to serve. Mr Li felt that everyone who took part in "Love HK Your Way!" epitomizes our community's most invaluable esprit de corps.
When teased by the master of ceremonies that some question his motive for philanthropy, an amused Mr Li responded, "Well, I am pretty famous already - from this perspective, it really doesn't make sense to give a third of my assets for such low marginal effect. He shared with the audience that he is happy living out his motto - building up oneself for the pursuit of one's selflessness."
Young magician Johnathan Chui, the MC, performed tricks that entertained and set the mood for today's event aptly named as "The Magical Power of Love".
In her talk, "From Scratch to Spark", Ms Josephine Lee, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Acting) of St James' Settlement, shared with the audience how individuals can make a difference to the community.
Mr Cliff Choi Kim-wah, HKCSS Business Director (Partnership & Public Engagement), outlined the top 10 social needs in our society in his talk titled "Together We Stand".
Several individuals and organisations from previous rounds also took the stage and shared their experiences of turning ideas into reality. Everyone agreed that a single individual can trigger ripple effects and public participation is a huge impact engine to mobilise care for the community.
Three children in Round 1's winning projects joined the MC to perform the magic show "Young Powers". They also joined the student representatives of SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School, which won a grant in all three rounds, to share with attendees what they enjoyed and learned in their projects, and their expectations for young people taking the initiative to serve Hong Kong.
"Love Ideas, Love HK" is the first programme of LKSF's HKD300 million philanthropic campaign "Love HK Your Way!", a major interactive philanthropic programme that combines the power of technology, charity and community awareness. The programme encourages Hong Kong residents to be innovative and proactive towards the concerns in their community, and to vote for projects they believe will make a positive difference.
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About the Li Ka Shing Foundation
The Li Ka Shing Foundation was established in 1980 by global entrepreneur and philanthropist Li Ka-shing. Mr Li considers the Foundation to be his "third son" and has pledged one-third of his assets to it. To date, the Foundation has granted over HK$12.8 billion (US$1.64 billion) in charitable donations, approximately 90 per cent of which has gone to the Greater China region.
The Foundation supports projects that propel social progress and create a cycle of charity in the world through expanding access to quality education and healthcare, encouraging cultural diversity and exploration, and stimulating community involvement and sustainable development. For more information, please visit: http://www.lksf.org.
For media enquiry, please contact:
Li Ka Shing Foundation
Jeremy Lau
Tel: 2128 1207 / 6477 9089
Fax: 2128 1766
Email: jeremy.lau@lksf.org
*Appendix
Members of the Judging Panel for the Professional Awards:
Mrs Justina Leung
Former Director
The Boys & Girls Clubs Association of Hong Kong
Ms Mabel Chau
Former Chief Executive Officer
The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation
Mrs Cynthia Luk Ho Kam Wan
Chief Executive Officer
St James' Settlement
Dr Tsang Kit Man, Sandra
Head, Department of Social Work & Social Administration
The University of Hong Kong
Ms Wan Lai Yau, Deborah
Vice Chairperson
The Hong Kong Joint Council for People with Disabilities
Ms Christine Fang
Chief Executive
The Hong Kong Council of Social Service