Listing Committee leads hike to bring technology to the elderly

Listing Committee leads hike to bring technology to the elderly

The Listing Committee led a corporate social responsibility (CSR) event, "Hike for Hong Kong", on Saturday, 18 October to raise funds for HandsOn Hong Kong (HandsOn) to bring technology to the elderly.

More than 100 participants, including members of the Listing Committee and their families and friends as well as staff of the Listing Department of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, or HKEx, completed the beautiful 6.5 km trail from Tsak Yue Wu to Wong Shek Pier to give back to the community through HandsOn. HandsOn is a Hong Kong-registered charity that addresses pressing social needs by mobilising volunteers to run programmes serving disadvantaged members of the community.

The funds raised by the hike will be used to fund a new HandsOn programme, Tech for the Elderly. The Tech for the Elderly programme will involve the collection, data-cleansing and refurbishment of donated smartphones and tablets so they can be recycled to elderly beneficiaries. HandsOn volunteers will then provide tuition on how to use basic functions such as sending messages, checking weather forecasts and comparing shop prices. It is envisaged the programme will not only increase community engagement and involvement of the elderly but will also enable better communication in the event of emergencies. 

Carmelo Lee, Chairman of the Listing Committee, said, "The event demonstrated the Listing Committee's commitment to CSR. The aim of the Tech for the Elderly programme supported by "Hike for Hong Kong" is to reduce isolation among members of the older population through technology training, at the same time bringing different generations together with the involvement of younger volunteers."

Caroline Sprod, Executive Director of HandsOn, said, "We are delighted the Listing Committee is supporting Tech for the Elderly through its 'Hike for Hong Kong.' One in three elderly citizens in Hong Kong lives below the poverty line, and I believe the financial support and increased awareness from today's walk will enable us not only to set up this new programme to help improve their day-to-day communications and access to modern technology but also to underpin their deeper engagement in the community."

The "Hike for Hong Kong" event raised more than$300,000.

HKEx staff gathers for a group photo at "Hike for Hong Kong", an event led by the Listing Committee on Saturday, 18 October 2014 to raise funds for HandsOn Hong Kong to bring technology to the elderly.

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