Date: 09/06/2024
A survey has revealed that nearly 80% of "elders with emigrant family" experienced social isolation due to their children's emigration, with almost 70% showing tendencies towards depression. To support this group of "elders with emigrant family", The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) has collaborated with Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) to organise a dumpling-wrapping event, where volunteers accompanied over 50 "elders with emigrant family" to make rice dumplings and celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival together.
In recent years, the number of emigrants from Hong Kong has increased. A survey conducted by HKCS last year indicated that the social well-being and emotional health of "elders with emigrant family," who did not follow their children in emigration, have deteriorated. Recently, HKCS organised the "Dumplings with Love" event, where the Towngas Volunteer Service Team (TVST) accompanied over 50 "elders with emigrant family" to experience the joy of making rice dumplings. Through interactions with volunteers and other elderly participants, the "elders with emigrant family" could feel the warmth of the festival and enhance their sense of happiness. Grandma Chan, who lives alone, found the dumpling-wrapping event to be lively and enjoyable, saying, "During the festivals, when my children are not in Hong Kong, I feel particularly lonely. This year, making dumplings together with a big group of people, chatting and laughing, was wonderful. I appreciate the volunteers and the other elderly friends who collaborated with me on making the dumplings. I feel especially happy."
In addition to the festive companionship provided by TVST, the use of technology can also help improve home safety for "elders with emigrant family" and maintain connections with their overseas family members. Towngas introduced the "Sending Warmth to Thousands with Smart Technology" programme to the elderly, offering free installation of Smart Controllers and Smart Meters for families in need. The Smart Controllers and Smart Meters utilise Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The Smart Controller can be connected to the user's existing gas stove, allowing the elderly to monitor the stove's status through their mobile phones and remotely turn off the gas in case of emergencies. It can also be connected to up to eight mobile devices simultaneously, enabling children living abroad to remotely shut off the cooking stove using their phones. The Smart Meter features automatic meter reading, eliminating the need for the elderly to manually record readings. Furthermore, if abnormal usage or leakage is detected, the gas supply will be automatically cut off, further ensuring home safety. These innovative technologies provide support for the "elders with emigrant family."
Moreover, the Towngas Concession Scheme offers assistance to elderly individuals in need, helping to alleviate their financial burden. Towngas will collaborate with HKCS to assist eligible "elders with emigrant family" in applying for the scheme, delivering care through various means and enabling them to live comfortably in the community. Grandma Ho, a "elders with emigrant family," applied for the Towngas Concession Scheme 7 years ago and expressed, "The scheme can reduce my daily expenses, and the money I saved can be used for more 'yumcha'. I have also recommended it to other elderly friends in my neighbourhood to join as well."
Towngas has always been committed to assisting various groups in society, particularly focusing on the well-being of the elderly. Mr Felix Lee Kin-ming, Towngas Head of Group ESG and Head of Group Corporate Affairs, stated, "HKCS has launched the 'Community Helper - Support for Elders with Emigrant Family' programme to help them adapt to life changes and improve their quality of life, which aligns perfectly with Towngas' philosophy. Therefore, we hope to continue collaborating with HKCS to provide multifaceted support for the ‘elders with emigrant family’ and fill the gap in social care."
Ms Karrie Chan, Deputy Director (Elderly, Rehabilitation & Community) of Hong Kong Christian Service stated, 'Elders face life changes when their children emigrate abroad. It is crucial to join hands with partners across various sectors to weave a community support network and provide companionship to help them adapt to these changes. We are grateful to Towngas for organising this event and sharing love and care during this festive season. At the same time, we are dedicated to leveraging technology to strengthen the connection between elders and their emigrant children. The Smart Controllers and Smart Meters generously donated by Towngas serve as a prime example, enabling children from afar to take care of their parents.'
For media enquiries, please contact:
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
Ms Kara Kwong
Senior Corporate Communications Officer
Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357
Email: kara.kwong@towngas.com
Hong Kong Christian Service
Ms Vivian Tsang
Public Relations Officer
Tel: 2731 6298
Email: viviantsang@hkcs.org
Towngas and Hong Kong Christian Service organise the "Dumplings with Love" event, where volunteers accompany over 50 "elders with emigrant family" to make rice dumplings and celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival together.
"Elders with emigrant family" participate in a dumpling-wrapping competition, interacting with volunteers and other elderly participants, experiencing the warm and lively atmosphere of the festival.
"Elders with emigrant family" participate in a dumpling-wrapping competition, interacting with volunteers and other elderly participants, experiencing the warm and lively atmosphere of the festival.
"Elders with emigrant family" participate in a dumpling-wrapping competition, interacting with volunteers and other elderly participants, experiencing the warm and lively atmosphere of the festival.
"Elders with emigrant family" enthusiastically participate in a prize quiz.
"Elders with emigrant family" enthusiastically participate in a prize quiz.
Mr Felix Lee Kin-ming, Towngas Head of Group ESG and Head of Group Corporate Affairs, hopes to support the "elders with emigrant family" through collaboration with HKCS.
Ms Karrie Chan, Deputy Director (Elderly, Rehabilitation & Community) of HKCS, hopes that the "Dumplings with Love" event, organised in collaboration with Towngas, will deliver care to the "elders with emigrant family".
Grandma Chan (right) finds the dumpling-wrapping event interesting and appreciates the patience of the volunteers.
Grandpa Chan (right), who has already applied for the Towngas Concession Scheme, expressed that the scheme can help reduce their daily expenses.
Mr Ng Wai-wah (middle), Towngas Senior Product Innovation and Standardisation Manager, introduces the Smart Controller and Smart Meter to the "elders with emigrant family", hoping to enhance their home safety through innovative technology. The elderly in attendance reacted enthusiastically, expressing that they were interested in installing the devices.
Representatives from Towngas attend the event to introduce the Towngas Concession Scheme and set up a consultation session to answer questions from the "elders with emigrant family" and assist eligible seniors in applying for the scheme.
