The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been deeply saddened by the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. In response, the Club announced that today’s (30 November) race meeting at Sha Tin Racecourse would be held behind closed doors and that all gross income from the meeting – which amounted to HK$70.2 million – would be donated to the HKSAR Government’s Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

It comes in addition to the Club committing HK$100 million through its Jockey Club Emergency Relief Fund to provide for the immediate needs of families of the deceased and those most directly affected. Altogether, the Club has contributed a total of HK$170.2 million in support.

The Club extends its deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and sympathies to those who have suffered injury and loss as a result of the fire. The Club’s Charities Trust will continue to work closely with relevant government departments and non-governmental organisations.

In coordination with and under the leadership of government bureaux and departments, Trust-supported programmes were activated immediately to provide practical support to the families in need. These include providing support to transitional housing operators to furnish vacant units and provide daily necessities; emergency medication, emotional and bereavement support; helping older residents and carers to connect to essential social services; organising online sessions for parents and supporting kindergartens and nursery schools in Tai Po; subsidies to affected students to help with uniforms, stationery and other essential supplies; and food assistance support to those in need.

In addition, the Club has arranged temporary accommodation and contingency funds to assist Club employees affected by the fire. The Club also set up a 24-hour hotline for staff to provide emotional support.

The Club continues to monitor the situation and is maintaining close contact with relevant government departments to identify the most effective ways to support affected residents.