CRPL Joins Habitat for Humanity China for Home Restoration in Tai O

The first phase of a home restoration initiative in Hong Kong launched recently with a five-day building activity from 9^th to 13^th June 2010. A total of 68 volunteers, the representatives from China Resources Property Limited are joined this event to show their support and completed the restoration of four stilt houses for elderly families in a fishing village in Tai O on the southwest coast of Lantau Island.

The inaugural event has helped raise public awareness to the plight of the residents of Tai O stilt houses. It aims to help revitalise the neighborhood, and its surrounding natural habitat and preserve the culture and heritage of Tai O. One of the volunteers, Ms. Scarlett Oi-Lan Pong, District Council Member for New Territories and the Chairperson of the Outstanding Young Persons’ Association commented, “I have done a lot of volunteer work but volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is very unique – you get to contribute your effort while directly witnessing the changes that you can make in the lives of these people in need”.

Habitat for Humanity China has received over HK$350,000 for the Tai O home restoration project so far. The three-phased restoration project aims to help 100 families to repair and restore their stilt houses by 2013. The goal is to raise of a total of HK$1.5-2 million in Hong Kong to support this volunteer initiative. The next building activity at Tai O is scheduled for 13^th to 16^th August.