To support employment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and promote inclusivity, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment with an approved donation of over HK$130 million. The three-year project is expected to benefit around 3,000 PWDs, their carers and relevant professionals. The official kick-off ceremony took place today (2 May), followed by the opening of a three-day inclusive market fair. The fair aims to raise public awareness of inclusive employment and create more opportunities for PWDs, further enhancing workplace inclusion in Hong Kong.

The kick-off ceremony of the project was officiated by HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun along with Club Steward Jackson Woo. Representatives from project partners and other support organisations also attended the ceremony.

Building a healthy community is one of the priority funding areas of the Club’s Charities Trust. The Club has all along been promoting the development of various types of rehabilitation services. Club Steward Jackson Woo said at the kick-off ceremony that the Club has been collaborating with different sectors to implement a variety of projects aimed at helping individuals in need integrate into the workplace. The Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment synergises cross-sectoral efforts to enhance employment support for PWDs, providing them with greater opportunities for the future while promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity in the society.

The Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment is run by eight academic institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The major components of the project include supporting PWDs from diverse backgrounds with strength-based employability assessments, so as to facilitate both employers and employees in matching relevant services and support. NGOs also provide the job seekers with personalised job preparation and specific vocational training. Furthermore, the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment collaborates with the Labour and Welfare Bureau to launch the “Caring Employer” medal, which recognises commitment and effort from employers of different sectors in promoting and achieving inclusiveness at workplace.

The project is a collaborative effort involving The University of Hong Kong, Ebenezer School and Home for the Visually Impaired, The Education University of Hong Kong, Heep Hong Society, Hong Kong PHAB Association, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, SAHK and St. James’ Settlement to explore and implement sustainable and diverse inclusive employment solutions. The project also seeks collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including Government departments, businesses and public bodies, to nurture an inclusive employment environment and ecosystem.

Almost 40 community partners are represented at the market fair, which takes place from 2 to 4 May at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan. There are inclusive performances and sharing sessions, such as dance and music shows, storybook reading and inclusive employment case sharing. There are also workshops in which visitors can create arts and crafts, such as personalised leather products, preserved flowers and fabric art, together with PWDs. Through these activities, the general public can recognise and appreciate the potential and diverse talents of PWDs.

The Club’s support for the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of society. The Club has a unique integrated business model comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.