Macau casino concessionaire Sands China Ltd donated in early February MOP300,000 (US$37,274) to Macau Holy House of Mercy’s Welfare Shop, which the company said marked the “14th consecutive year” of the initiative.
A group of Sands Cares Ambassadors also volunteered “to help distribute Chinese New Year food hampers to disadvantaged local families at the Welfare Shop, spreading festive warmth and joy to the community,” the casino form stated in a press release.
The company also gave festive gift packs purchased from Macau Tung Sin Tong Charitable Society to each household. “A ‘God of Fortune’ was also present to bestow blessings to the participants, bringing a vibrant festive cheer to the event,” Sands China added.
In operation since 2013, the Welfare Shop distributes each month food and essentials to thousands of families facing financial difficulties, assisting households in disadvantaged neighbourhoods to meet their living expenses.
Wilfred Wong (pictured above, centre right), executive vice chairman of Sands China, said in prepared remarks: “As the longest-established charitable organisation in Macau, Macau Holy House of Mercy has remained unwavering in its mission to support local disadvantaged groups and advance community welfare.”
“Sands China has supported its community work for 14 consecutive years through our donations and distribution of food hampers,” he added.
Mr Wong said Sands China distributed food hampers to more than 370 local families this year, with this kind of initiatives strengthening the company’s “long-standing commitment to local community service”.
The announcement cited António José de Freitas (pictured, centre left), president of Macau Holy House of Mercy’s Board of Trustees, as saying: “Our sincere gratitude goes to Sands China for their unwavering support to our Welfare Shop over the past 14 years.”
Mr Freitas added: “Through this initiative, Sands China has demonstrated its dedication to the community by providing ongoing assistance to disadvantaged local families, spreading care to those in need.”
Sands China said its support to Macau Holy House of Mercy “is part of the company’s commitment to social causes and community involvement through the Sands Cares global corporate citizenship programme”.
