Companies and organizations across Hong Kong, along with many from the Chinese mainland, have mobilized donations and relief efforts to assist residents affected by the deadly fire in Tai Po that erupted on Wednesday, joining the special administrative region government’s establishment of a HK$300 million relief fund.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Thursday that each affected household will receive a HK$10,000 ($1,285) subsidy. The government will also set up a working group to coordinate support and donations.
Its HK$300 million relief fund began accepting public contributions at 7 pm on Thursday, with donations directed to two Bank of China (Hong Kong) accounts.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced a HK$100 million aid package through the Jockey Club Emergency Relief Fund to address the immediate needs of fire victims and assist families of the deceased.
Each bereaved family will receive HK$150,000, while each seriously injured person will receive HK$100,000. Households displaced by fire will receive aid ranging from around HK$10,000 to HK$15,000.
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The aid will be distributed via the Social Welfare Department and NGOs, with further support measures to follow, the club added.
Tycoon Li Ka-shing extended his condolences to residents who suffered losses in the tragedy and expressed gratitude to first responders.
The Li Ka Shing Foundation announced a HK$30 million emergency fund to support registered charities, particularly those serving Tai Po, in providing immediate relief and longer-term assistance. It will also set aside HK$50 million for follow-on relief efforts, and provide support for firefighters and first responders injured or killed in the line of duty through the designated Disciplinary Services Fund.
The Fok Ying Tung Group and its two foundations donated HK$30 million to support relief and reconstruction efforts, calling on companies, organizations and individuals across sectors to lend a helping hand.
Local leading real estate developer Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, named after the group’s founder, announced a donation of HK$20 million for fire relief.
The company has also offered about 160 free rooms across three of its hotels - the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel in Tuen Mun district, the Royal Pacific Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel - to accommodate displaced residents in need of temporary shelter.
Wharf Holdings also contributed HK$30 million, while HSBC and Hang Seng Bank jointly pledged HK$30 million. Bank of China (Hong Kong) donated HK$20 million and deployed more employees to assist residents at its four Tai Po branches. DBS Hong Kong announced a HK$10 million donation to the Hong Kong Red Cross.
Conglomerate Chow Tai Fook committed HK$20 million to provide relief supplies, and arranged for its subsidiaries to offer temporary shelter, food, and daily necessities.
The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong also announced a donation of HK$10 million to provide immediate support and care to affected households.
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China Mobile Hong Kong said it has carried out operations to restore the communication network in Tai Po, and distributed about 400 power banks, thousands of prepaid SIM cards, and mobile phones to nearby branches for residents’ use.
Staying united
Mainland firms and organizations have also rallied to support Hong Kong and affected residents.
China Hongqiao Group, a leading aluminum producer, donated HK$30 million. China Merchants Foundation contributed HK$20 million for emergency relief and post-disaster recovery, while its affiliate, Hong Kong food retailer Best Mart 360, is distributing compassion vouchers to affected residents.
The Red Cross Society of China has donated 2 million yuan ($280,000) to the Hong Kong Red Cross to support emergency rescue and humanitarian relief. It also pledged to provide further assistance as needed.
Tech giants Tencent and Xiaomi each pledged HK$10 million, while sportswear brand 361 Degrees International and Anta Sports committed cash and supplies to support rescue efforts.
E-commerce giant Alibaba has announced a donation of HK$20 million, while Ant Group and AlipayHK have allocated HK$10 million for emergency aid. AlipayHK has also set up a dedicated donation channel to facilitate quick contributions from Hong Kong residents.
The foundation established by Alibaba cofounder Jack Ma has also pledged 30 million yuan.
Other donations include HK$10 million from new energy vehicle company BYD and HK$5 million from EV counterpart XPeng, along with HK$10 million from smart equipment producer Lenovo Hong Kong.
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Beyond a HK$10 million donation, mobile mobility platform Didi said it will actively cooperate with local authorities to divert vehicles away from disaster areas, and relay official rescue and assistance information to help ensure travelers’ safety.
These companies said they are committed to monitoring the disaster relief situation closely and working together with the Hong Kong community to overcome this difficult time.
Yin Le-fang, secretary-general of the Greater Bay Area Safety Emergency Industry Technology Alliance, said the alliance has launched a fundraising initiative to support Hong Kong’s disaster response. She said member organizations will monitor Hong Kong’s needs to ensure timely, targeted assistance and help the community recover together.
Contact the writer at gabylin@chinadailyhk.com
