“CAREnJOY", one of HK Electric's community care programmes, has reached out to more than 7,500 single elders on Hong Kong and Lamma Islands since it was launched under a different name in 2008. Through home visits, carnivals, electrical safety talks and gatherings, the programme aims to drive home the message “Don't shy away from bothering others", encouraging single elders to reach out for help when needed.
Speaking at today's (8 March) 10th anniversary celebration, Operations Director of HK Electric, Mr. Francis Cheng, said: “Commitment, undivided focus and open-mindedness have always been key to our community programmes.”
“Thanks to suggestions from our project partners, the purchase of bulky items, such as rice and cooking oil, and simple electrical inspection were incorporated into our home visits. Last year, we began holding district-based electrical safety talks and gatherings which enabled us to reach a bigger audience in the community. This year, we expect to bring warmth and joy to more than 2,100 single elders," Mr. Cheng continued.
Officiating at today's ceremony, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. Caspar Tsui, said: “To better plan and prepare for the challenges arising from a rapidly aging society, we need to mobilise a broader participation of everyone in the community, including the business sector and non-government organisations.”
Mr. Tsui was particularly impressed by the CAREnJOY programme, whose ambassadors have helped promote community and neighbourhood support which are important for building social capital for Hong Kong. “The ambassadors have encouraged single elders to be connected with their local support network, preventing them from becoming 'hidden' and isolated,”Mr. Tsui said.
Launched by HK Electric, CAREnJOY is supported by all four District Councils on Hong Kong Island, as well as the Lamma North and South Rural Committees, while the elderly home visits and talks are coordinated by nine NGO partners. Also officiating today were the Chairman of the Central and Western District Council, Mr. Yip Wing-shing; Vice-Chairman of the Wan Chai District Council, Ms. Chow Kit-bing; Vice-Chairman of the Southern District Council, Mr. Chan Fu-ming; Eastern District Council member Mr. Wong Chi-chung; and the Chairmen of the Lamma (South and North) Rural Committees, Mr. Chow Yuk-tong and Mr. Chan Lin-wai, together with representatives from the NGO partners.
Over the years, more than 800 elderly volunteers from partnering agencies were trained as CAREnJOY Ambassadors. Describing these ambassadors as a unique feature of the programme, Mr. Cheng noted that they have introduced more than 2,200 single elders to join community centres in their neighbourhoods. To recognise their efforts, a total of 19 'Star Ambassadors’ were nominated to receive commendation at today's ceremony.
One of the Star Ambassadors, Mr. Chiu Chun-sing, from Aberdeen Kai-fong Association, shared why he had served for eight years,“Being a CAREnJOY ambassador has given me a special mission to make new friends and care for those around me. By encouraging them to be more active or even to serve as ambassadors, we have all enriched our social life and become healthier both physically and mentally.”
Another Star Ambassador Ms. Chan Lai-ming from St. James Settlement is good at convincing single elders to share their problems. "I was a cancer patient before and understand some elders may be reluctant to bother others with their difficulties," she explained. “Through sharing my own story, I am happy and proud of myself for being able to change their mindset. This has kept me going in this meaningful role.”