Press Corner

10th Anniversary of HKSAR - Charity Concert for the Elderly
(19 July 2007)

SPECIAL

The Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Medical Association Charitable Foundation (Foundation) will jointly stage the Annual Charity Concert at the City Hall Concert Hall on Sunday, 29 July 2007 at 8 p.m.

The HKMA has been raising funds for various community projects over the past 20 years through the public performance of the HKMA Choir and Orchestra. The Foundation was established last year with a view to better promotion, coordination and organization of charitable activities for the betterment of the poor, the needy and the underprivileged.

The net proceeds of this concert will be donated to the Hong Kong Alzheimer's Diseases Association (HKADA) to support the first year operation cost of their new Integrated Centre, Jean Wei Centre, at Tang Shiu Kin Hospital. Services include 1) a day care and activity centre for the persons with mild to moderate dementia; 2) a cognitive assessment centre for early detection and intervention; and 3) In-home training service.

Dr. David DAI, Chairman of HKADA, revealed in the press conference that there were approximately 70,000 persons over 70 years old suffering from dementia. Due to memory loss and cognitive deterioration, people with dementia require special care and attention. This demanding duty is usually shouldered by their family caregivers, mainly the aged spouses and their children. The new integrated services aim to improve the quality of life of both the people with dementia and their family caregivers.

Ms. Rebecca PAN shared her own experience of taking care of her mother who also suffered from dementia. She appreciated the HKADA for their support towards affected families.

Dr. CHOI Kin, President of the HKMA, expressed that the Charity Concert had dual functions. Apart from raising funds for the HKADA, the concert is also dedicated to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of HKSAR. With tribute to the elderly, a hundred complimentary tickets will be given out to elders aged 65 or above through the HKMA Secretariat at Wanchai starting from 23 July 2007.

The Chairman of the Foundation and the Organizing Committee, Dr. CHOW Pak Chin informed that Dr. LEUNG Che Hung had agreed to officiate the Concert. Dr. CHOW also thanked the performing guests and groups of the Concert, including Ms. Rebecca PAN and her accompanist Mr. Leon KO, young violinist Miss Emi TAKAHASHI, the Ella Kiang Singers, and of course the HKMA Choir and Orchestra. Last but not least, he called for the generous support of the general public to this meaningful event.

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Notes to editors :
The Hong Kong Medical Association, founded in 1920, aims to bring together Hong Kong's government, institutional, university and private medical practitioners for an effective exchange of views and co-ordination of efforts. The foremost objective of the Association is to safeguard and promote public health. The Association speaks collectively for its members and aims to keep its members abreast of medical ethics, issues and advances around the world. In fulfilling these goals, the association hopes to better serve the people of Hong Kong.