XN000022-1996-07-10 — Page 89

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It is far preferable for elderly people to be given the free choice whether or not to apply for a Senior Citizen Card on the understanding that the personal data they supply when applying will be used solely for the issue of the Card.

Participation of business organisations in the Senior Citizen Card Scheme is entirely voluntary as the objectives of the Scheme are to raise community respect and concern for elderly people. If elderly people find that certain companies do not honour their pledges, they can make direct complaints to the companies concerned. The Social Welfare Department is also prepared to relay such complaints to the companies concerned and to seek clarification as and when necessary.

Since the introduction of the Scheme in 1994, the Home Affairs Department has been actively assisting the Social Welfare Department in the promotion of the Scheme through its close relationship with District Boards and extensive local liaison network. Publicity efforts have been and will continue to be made on the following fronts:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

application forms and publicity materials for the Scheme are distributed at the Public Enquiry Service Centres run by Home Affairs Department in all 18 of their districts;

to help make the Scheme more widely known at the district level, these forms and materials are also sent to Area Committees, Rural Committees, Mutual Aid Committees, Owners Corporations and other district organisations. District Office staff have also helped promote the Scheme during their day-to-day contacts with local residents; and

the Home Affairs Department has been assisting the Social Welfare Department in appealing to District Boards for support. The opportunity has been taken to promote awareness of the Scheme in many community building programmes organised by District Offices, District Boards or local organisations for the elderly.

The public in general and elderly people in particular are well aware of the Scheme. The Home Affairs Department will continue to help the Social Welfare Department in attracting even higher patronage and more sponsorship for the Scheme.