Sands China donates US$30k to support care services for the elderly in Macau

Macau casino operator Sands China Ltd has donated MOP240,000 (US$29,694) to the Peng On Tung Charity Foundation to support care services for the elderly in the city. The donation marks the 17th consecutive year that Sands China has supported the foundation, which operates under the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM). According to a recent press release, the latest contribution will help subsidise 850 financially disadvantaged seniors using the Peng On Tung Tele-Assistance service. The funding will also support other elderly-care initiatives, including home repair services and free haircuts for some senior citizens. The donation was presented during a community event organised in partnership with UGAMM, which brought together approximately 200 seniors and young volunteers. Wilfred Wong Ying Wai, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said the company remained committed to supporting care for the elderly, and to encouraging community participation in Macau. “For the past 17 years, we have partnered with the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau to provide meaningful support for seniors,” Mr Wong noted. He added: “Through initiatives such as the Peng On Tung Maintenance Programme and the Elderly Haircut Initiative, we engage volunteers in community service that not only cares for the elderly, but also fosters intergenerational interaction and a spirit of mutual support.” The Peng On Tung Tele-Assistance programme, established in 2009, provides support services for senior citizens living alone, as well as for elderly couples and other residents requiring assistance. According to Sands China, the programme has benefited nearly 29,000 people to date. Sands China has also supported the Peng On Tung Maintenance Programme since 2015. The initiative trains volunteers to undertake home repairs for elderly residents facing financial difficulties. The programme has trained more than 280 volunteers and provided services to nearly 4,500 senior citizens, per the announcement. Another initiative backed by Sands China, the Elderly Haircut Initiative, has trained 435 young volunteers, who have collectively provided free haircuts to approximately 3,700 elderly residents.