Held at UGAMM’s Social Services Building, the “Love & Inclusivity for All Ages” event brought together 200 seniors and youth volunteers, sponsored by Sands China and co‑organised by UGAMM’s Peng On Tung Tele‑Assistance Service Centre and Ngai Chun Centre.
Sands China donated MOP 240,000 to the Peng On Tung Charity Foundation, with a ceremonial cheque presented at the event by Annie Lam, Director of Community Affairs, to Chan Ka Leong, Director‑General of UGAMM, reaffirming the company’s enduring support for the Peng On Tung Tele‑Assistance programme.
For over 20 years since its inception in Macao, Sands China has been committed to serving the community, taking proactive steps to support disadvantaged groups and foster a caring society. Sands China’s donation will help subsidise economically disadvantaged seniors in accessing the Peng On Tung Tele-Assistance programme and support the Charity Foundation’s extended care programmes for the elderly, such as home repair services through the Peng On Tung Maintenance Programme and haircuts through the Elderly Haircut Initiative.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Caring and mutual support are the cornerstone of a strong community. Sands China has made donations to the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau for 16th consecutive years, subsidising people with financial difficulties to use the Peng On Tung Tele-Assistance Service and developing value-added services for Peng On Tung, benefiting more than 27,500 seniors since 2010. This year, we are pleased to continue this long-standing tradition of supporting the elderly, while also bringing youth volunteers together to send love to seniors.”
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the trainees of UGAMM’s Peng On Tung Maintenance Programme and the mentors, trainees, and volunteers of the Elderly Haircut Initiative for their dedication and service, which has helped nurture a supportive society. Sands China will continue to work hand in hand with the community to build a harmonious, inclusive environment for all generations.”
Ng Siu Lai, president of UGAMM, added: “We are grateful to Sands China for its long-term support and generous donations, which have enabled us to continue caring for seniors. Special thanks to the Sands Care Ambassadors, whose dedication and service make the community a better place. Together, we look forward to providing more comprehensive services to seniors and improving their quality of life in the future.”
The Peng On Tung Maintenance Programme, organised by the Charity Foundation recruits volunteers who wish to serve the elderly, learn home repair skills, and undertake on-site apprenticeships. Graduates of the programme can join the dedicated Peng On Tung Maintenance Team to provide necessary home repair services to seniors.
Peng On Tung’s Elderly Haircut Initiative meanwhile cultivates youth volunteers with professional haircutting techniques and a dedication to giving back to society. Graduates regularly participate in the monthly “Scissor Friends” outreach activity to provide free haircuts to seniors. To date, the initiative has trained 254 students, further promoting care and connection between young people and seniors.
Some guests were invited to present certificates of appreciation to devoted volunteers involved in the Peng On Tung programmes, including Sands Cares Ambassadors as well as volunteers, trainees, and mentors from the Peng On Tung Maintenance Programme and the Elderly Haircut Initiative, recognising their continued contributions to the local community.
Following the donation, the Love & Inclusivity for All Ages event featured eight Intergenerational Skill Exchange booths, designed and operated by seniors and youth to demonstrate the concept of intergenerational love and inclusivity. Booths manned by the elderly featured handmade belts, flower crafts, calligraphy, and painting, while youth-led booths focused on smartphone accessibility, anti-fraud, health exercises, and electrical safety.
The Peng On Tung Tele-Assistance Service Centre was established in 2009. The centre has consistently provided Peng On Tung services through a hotline, offering robust support to singles, elderly couples, and others in need, meanwhile striving to develop and promote welfare-related services so as to foster a more caring and loving environment for them.
