A plaque unveiling ceremony was held yesterday (17 August) to mark the completion of major facility upgrades at the Chi Lin Care and Attention Home. The Hong Kong Jockey Club approved a donation of over HK$67 million from its Charities Trust to support the enhancement work, carried out in response to new licensing requirements introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic. The upgrades facilitate the adoption of best practices in infection control at the residential care home and enhance its energy efficiency while improving ventilation and isolation capabilities.

Officiating at the plaque unveiling ceremony were Michael Lee, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Nancy Tse, Chairperson of the Elderly Service Committee of Chi Lin Nunnery.

Club Chairman Michael Lee noted that the upgrades improve the home’s energy efficiency and create a healthier, safer and more comfortable living environment for its elderly residents. Going forwards, the Club will continue to organise more impactful initiatives through cross-disciplinary cooperation to enhance its contribution to society. This project serves as a strong example, he said.

The enhancement project included a complete overhaul of the air-conditioning and ventilation systems, incorporating variable-speed air conditioners and fresh air exchangers, boosting energy efficiency by up to 30% while meeting air exchange requirements to maintain indoor air quality in compliance with infection control requirements to prepare for future disease outbreaks.

The project also included the upgrading of two existing isolation rooms and the construction of a new one, all designed to maintain lower air pressure and with unidirectional airflow.

Additionally, the nurse station was redesigned to enhance workflow efficiency and patient monitoring. Energy-saving equipment were installed, including LED lighting with smart sensors, along with upgraded laundry and kitchen systems. Collectively, the home is now capable of reducing electricity consumption as much as 20% annually, with a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

The Club’s support for the Chi Lin Care and Attention Home facility enhancement project, 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.