of circumstances beyond their control. On the other hand, voluntary effort is essential in a free community, if citizens are to develop and maintain a sense of responsibility for communal well being.
95. There are at present in Hong Kong some 150 voluntary organiza- tions devoted to providing welfare services in great variety. In addition, there are many Chinese organizations, of which the Kaifong Associa tions are notable examples, which are dedicated to meeting social needs in various fields, often educational or medical but also in the social welfare field with which this Report is concerned. To prevent duplica- tion, to co-ordinate services, to plan ahead, and to interpret to the public the need for and extent of such services, it has been found necessary to set up various co-ordinating bodies. For the Catholic agencies, Caritas performs this function; for the majority of Protestant groups, the Hong Kong Christian Welfare and Relief Council is active; for youth groups, the Hong Kong Conference of Youth Organizations. In a general co- ordinating role stands the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, with over 60 affiliated organizations.
96. One of the major contributions of the Council of Social Service is the information and publicity work it undertakes, which has value and brings dividends well beyond the limits of Hong Kong. This is accomplished by means of a regular news-letter, a booklet listing voluntary organizations, an interpretative leaflet, a Chinese periodical publication, and through contacts with visitors and local residents who wish to know more about welfare services. A committee is at present compiling information on welfare services, both Governmental and voluntary; when this task is complete, a factual booklet will be issued under the descriptive title of 'Working Together'.
97. Council committees and projects during the past year included the Central Relief Records Office, an Employment Assistance Scheme, the Resettlement Loan and Savings Association, an Emergency Relief Committee, and a Committee on the Welfare of Children. A special committee was set up during the year to investigate the needs of pave- ment dwellers. The Council has also acted as a medium through which contributions from various parts of the world may be transmitted to designated agencies or services. At the end of the year, the Council was preparing to take up new quarters, the move being occasioned by the impending demolition of its existing office building.
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