Today (10 June) The Hong Kong Jockey Club launched the second phase of JC PROJECT LIFT, a major initiative to address the needs of grassroots families. It is being funded with an approved donation of HK$720 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Following the launch of the first phase to address the needs of families in transitional housing, this second phase will expand the programme to include the first two light public housing projects.

The second phase was inaugurated at the “LIFT Together LIVE Better: The New Chapter Begins with You” ceremony. Officiating guests included HKSAR Government Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, Club Steward Philip Lo, and JC PROJECT LIFT Advisory Committee Convenor Clement Cheung.

Club Steward Philip Lo said, “Youth development and poverty alleviation is one of the key focus areas of the Club’s charities strategy. The Club remains committed to launching timely and diverse support projects through collaborative efforts and innovative thinking.  We hope this project can serve as an effective poverty alleviation model for others, so helping to promote greater social mobility in housing environments across Hong Kong.”

JC PROJECT LIFT, created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with the support of the HKSAR Government’s Housing Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau, is a five-year project which aims to benefit over 14,000 families in 26 locations comprising 24 transitional housing projects and two light housing projects. It is being run in collaboration with 18 partners.

Referencing the successful Graduation Approach used in rural settings overseas, JC PROJECT LIFT aims to reduce poverty levels through the pioneering Urban Graduation Approach tailored to local challenges. The project comprises five targeted social interventions to strengthen family capacities. The Family Capacity Building Planner (FCBP) helps families identify strengths and set long-term goals. The Family Capacity Building Fund offers financial assistance through subsidies ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. An innovative savings scheme helps families enhance economic stability. The Jockey Club Level-Up Empowerment Employment Centre helps participants improve job skills and explore new career opportunities with the help of professional advisors. The community space, JC LIFT Hub, promotes community support and well-being, aiming to enhance families’ confidence and self-esteem by encouraging them to expand their social networks and engage with the wider community.

As the project enters its second phase, and to encourage participation, families with regular savings and stable employment will be eligible for an additional HK$5,000 subsidy under the Family Capacity Building Fund. Over 100 community-engaged participants will serve as LIFT Ambassadors, actively promoting community activities and encouraging more families to participate.

Since its launch, JC PROJECT LIFT has benefited around 7,700 households and trained nearly 60 family capacity building planners to help families develop their plans and goals. Community activities have encouraged residents to step out of their comfort zones and build connections. Nearly 90% of High Yield Savings Scheme (HYS) participants have developed a saving habit, steadily building their financial resources. Further details can be found on the JC PROJECT LIFT website: jcprojectlift.hk.

The Club’s support for JC PROJECT LIFT, 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.