Zurich Insurance Hong Kong donates HK$1.1 million to Pok Oi Hospital to launch COVID-19 support programme

Zurich Insurance Hong Kong (Zurich) has offered HK$1.1 million to Pok Oi Hospital to support children and the elderly hit by the knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation has been part of establishing the #MoveForward COVID-19 Support Programme, which aims at providing support to children and elderly in low-income "grassroots families" who have been especially affected during the crisis. The support programme will connect the community by launching services across 11 children and family services centres and offer 10 daycare centres for the elderly under Pok Oi Hospital. In total it is expected to benefit 5,000 people.

"Despite the gradual ease of the health crisis in recent months, there are ongoing challenges. After the earlier donation to a youth-targeted social welfare organisation, we have pledged funding through the Z Zurich Foundation to Pok Oi Hospital, to deliver crucial support to the community in need. We hope to encourage the mental wellness of the vulnerable through positive activities and services to uplift and energise, with the ultimate goal to overcome the pandemic with optimism," said Eric Hui, CEO of Zurich Insurance Hong Kong. 

The initial phase of the programme includes the distribution of 3,000 “Cheer-up aid packs”, containing virus-preventive staples, health supplies, and tailored items (including toys or sports equipment) and are catered to support the physical and mental health of recipients. In a later phase, Zurich will invite professionals from various sectors to lead a series of health and leisure activities in the hope of providing emotional relief, alleviating the anxiety and stress brought on by COVID-19.

Josephine Kan, chairman of the board of directors of Pok Oi Hospital, said, "COVID-19 has severely disrupted the society in many aspects and the grassroots are the first to bear the brunt. It is critical for stakeholders in the society to unite and support those in need. We look forward to donors' continuing generosity towards Pok Oi Hospital in order to provide sustaining support to the underprivileged.”

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