Christmas party for underprivileged children
Who has the largest number of children in Hong Kong?
The answer is the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Andrew Leung Kin-pong, who has to look after more than 800 underprivileged children aged under 21.
As the head of the Social Welfare Department, Mr Leung has become the legal guardian of these children since he took over the helm of the department in October 1996. Their total number stood at 860 as at the end of October this
year.
These children are put under the guardianship of the Director of Social Welfare because they are abandoned or relinquished by their parents, or their parents are unable or unfit to exercise proper care and guardianship.
The children may be taken care by their relatives at home, placed in foster homes or small group homes, or accommodated in hostels or residential creches and nurseries operated by the SWD or non-governmental organisations.
To show concern to his 'children'. Mr Leung today (Sunday) hosted a Christmas party at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for 230 'children' aged between five and 15.
In addition to a series of entertaining performances, they were presented with Christmas gifts and enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch.
"For a variety of reasons these children are unable to live with their own families, but just like any other children, they all need the care and concern of others.
"It is hoped that through this Christmas party we are not only able to provide an opportunity for the underprivileged children to share the joy and happiness of the festive season, but also to arouse public concern to the well-being of these children," Mr Leung said.
"I want my 'children' know that they are being loved and cared by their carers, social workers as well as people in the community," he added,
Mr Leung also thanked all donors for their generosity to support the event and the carers for taking care of his 'children' through these years.
End