Power Assets was today presented with Hong Kong's first-ever "Age-Friendly Golden Star Award" for its commitment to and outstanding performance in caring for the elderly. It was selected by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) to receive this highest honour from more than 50 corporations and organisations taking part in the award scheme.
At today's award presentation ceremony, Power Assets' U3A (University of Third Age) programme was also named one of the favourite elderly care projects.
The award scheme is one of the highlights in HKCSS' effort to establish an "age-friendly city" and to promote the "Senior Citizens Day" this Sunday by generating opportunities for health, participation and security and to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens.
Winner of the "Golden Star Award" – selected by a panel of adjudicators and senior citizens – is required to excel in eight domains: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community support and health services.
Power Assets' General Manager (Public Affairs) Ms. Mimi Yeung, who received the award from Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said: "This award is really meaningful and encouraging to us as it recognises our efforts in caring for the elderly."
"We believe the elderly have contributed enormously to Hong Kong's prosperity today and as an enterprise with our roots here, Power Assets is committed to serving our senior citizens. We hope that our initiatives will set a model for other companies and organisations to follow so that more elderly can benefit."
Offering concessionary tariff to those with financial difficulties is one of the assistance that Power Assets has been providing. To facilitate communication with senior citizens while delivering useful information to them, the company has prepared large-font electricity bills and publications. An express counter is also available at its Customer Centre which also features a tele-loop system for those with impaired hearing.
On community care, Power Assets volunteers have been keen to support elderly care services. Since 2004, the volunteer team has been conducting monthly electrical inspection for single elderly living in public housing. Talks on the safe use of electricity are also arranged regularly to help ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for the elderly.
And to promote the physical and mental well-being of the elderly, the company has joined hands with HKCSS to encourage lifelong learning and volunteerism among local retirees through U3A. Since 2006, the U3A network has grown to include 30 elderly service centres now, offering 1,500 classes and providing more than 20,000 learning opportunities. Another project also run in conjunction with HKCSS is the "Outstanding Third Age Citizens Award", aimed to recognise the contribution of retirees, while enhancing public respect and care for senior citizens.
Under "CAREnival for the Elderly", Power Assets partners with elderly service agencies to encourage single elderly to reach out and seek help when needed. Elderly volunteers team up with those from Power Assets to help identify "hidden elders" in the community and introduce them to available services.
"Caring for the elderly has always been one of our core missions. We will continue with this mission to provide more age-friendly services to meet the needs of our senior citizens," Ms Yeung said.