The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been ranked sixth in the World Charity Index 2015 for its charitable contributions, which reached a record HK$3.87 billion in 2014/15, supporting 189 charitable and community projects. The Club is the first Asian charity donor to be listed in the world’s top 10.
The Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “Globally the Club was ranked 6th in The World Charity Index 2015 and the Club is also the world’s 2nd biggest fundraising private charity donor. This is the first time an Asian foundation has made it into the top 10. The Club, together with people of Hong Kong, has achieved this international recognition – it is a joint effort.”
“As Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, the Club is committed to giving back to society. We shall continue to seek out the root causes of social issues, and work in partnership with Government and the community to help resolve them,”said Mr Engelbrech-Bresges.
The World Charity Index is an annual ranking of charitable giving by the world’s top private donors and foundations. It is jointly compiled by City AM, a London business newspaper, and VU University Amsterdam. Further details of the Index can be found at http://www.cityam.com/city-ams-world-charity-index-2015-whos-made-list-top-givers
The man behind the rankings, Professor Dr Theo Schuyt of VU University Amsterdam and European Research Network on Philanthropy, says in his introduction to the 2015 list: “It is an honour and a challenge to conduct this research. In doing so, we make philanthropic efforts more visible around the world.” He believes that giving is not just giving away – it is investing.
In late September 2016, the Club will organise an inaugural two-day international philanthropy forum, “Philanthropy for Better Cities”, focusing on metropolitan social issues and how philanthropy can help address them. It will serve as a platform for over 1,000 global, Asia Pacific and local philanthropists and industry experts to share best practices and facilitate future collaboration. Delegates will exchange ideas on different metropolitan social issues such as youth and education, ageing and elderly care, poverty and community inclusion.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2014/15, its donations reached a record HK$3.87 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,300 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$20.05 billion in 2014/15. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,000 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.
Photo 1: The Club��s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says, globally the Club was ranked 6th in The World Charity Index 2015. This is the first time an Asian foundation has made it into the top 10.
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