Jockey Club champions contributions to the betterment of society at Hong Kong Volunteer Award 2025

The Hong Kong Volunteer Award Presentation Ceremony cum Forum 2025 was held today (9 January) to recognise the many volunteers who have contributed to the betterment of our society. The Award is supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust through its JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER initiative, launched and funded by the Trust in 2022 to promote a culture of volunteering and community care.

Janet Lee, wife of the HKSAR Chief Executive and Volunteer-in-Chief (2nd left); Clarence Leung, HKSAR Government Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (2nd right); Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (1st left); and Melissa Kaye Pang, Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service (1st right), officiate at the Hong Kong Volunteer Award 2025 Presentation Ceremony.

Co-organised by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Agency for Volunteer Service, the event's opening ceremony was officiated by guests including Janet Lee, wife of the HKSAR Chief Executive and Volunteer-in-Chief; Clarence Leung, HKSAR Government Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Melissa Kaye Pang, Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service.

Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, delivers a speech at the Hong Kong Volunteer Award 2025 Presentation Ceremony.

Club Steward Jackson Woo highlighted the Club's long-standing partnership with the Agency for Volunteer Service, dating back to the 1970s, in promoting volunteering. In recent years, through the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER initiative, the Club has broadened its support by promoting the concept of “Volunteer for Impact" and introducing many exclusive awards that recognise contributions from diverse sectors and foster the sustainable development of volunteer services. He added that the Club's CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team participates in a variety of community services, including supporting the recently concluded 15th National Games, bringing care and warmth to communities across Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club was honoured with an Outstanding Corporate Award

The Hong Kong Jockey Club was honoured with a Top Ten Highest Volunteer Hour Award.

The CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team comprises dedicated employees who, in 2024 alone, contributed over 25,000 volunteering hours, benefiting more than 740,000 people. At this year's Hong Kong Volunteer Award, the Club was awarded, Outstanding Corporate Award and Top Ten Highest Volunteer Hour Award, underscoring the dedication and impact of its volunteer team.

Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (first row, 8th left), and Freely Cheng, the Club’s Head of External Affairs (first row, 9th left), with members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team.

The integrated platform launched under JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER has attracted over 23,000 registered volunteers to date, with cumulative service hours close to 270,000.

Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (centre), with recipients of the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Outstanding Evergreen Volunteer Award and the Outstanding Rising Star Volunteer Award.

Since 2023, the Club has supported awards under the Hong Kong Volunteer Award scheme through JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER including the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Outstanding Evergreen Volunteer Award, the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Outstanding Caring School Award, the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Evergreen Volunteer Award (Volunteer Hours), the JC VOLUNTEER TOETHER Rising Star Volunteer Award (Volunteer Hours) and the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Caring School, all of which celebrate exceptional volunteering efforts. The Club also supports the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Outstanding Rising Star Volunteer Award, which honours individuals who are volunteering for the first time or returning to volunteer work, recognising their achievements and contributions. Further details can be found on the Hong Kong Volunteer Award website: https://hkvaward.hk/

Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (back row, 12th left), and Freely Cheng, the Club’s Head of External Affairs (back row, centre), with members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team and the awarded JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER volunteers.

JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER was launched in collaboration with 12 partner organisations. It is designed to encourage and mobilise primary and secondary school students, families, working adults, people aged 50+ and retirees as well as the general public to do good for society. It has also created the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER PLATFORM in collaboration with six major volunteer matching hubs in Hong Kong to help people identify volunteering opportunities and register for and keep track of their volunteering activities.

The Club's support for the JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER, like all its charity and community contributions, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) today (31 May) marked the successful conclusion of its “May · We Care” staff volunteer initiative. Throughout the month, members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team (CARE Team) took part in over 80 volunteer activities, contributing more than 4,700 service hours in support of the community. The initiative reflects the Club’s long-standing commitment to giving back to society through meaningful action, making May a month of collective impact.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle) and volunteers guide participating families in creating soft pastel artworks.

Comprising full-time, part-time and retired Club employees, the CARE Team organised “May · We Care” for the second consecutive year, encouraging staff participation in a wide range of volunteer activities. Club management, together with over 1,300 CARE Team members, participated in various voluntary services, supporting causes spanning sports, children and youth, animal welfare, underprivileged groups, elderly care, and environmental protection.

Club Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam (back in the red shirt) joins volunteers to guide kindergarten children in transforming second-hand toys into creative toy artworks, extending the lifespan of discarded toys and encouraging sustainability.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said, “As a Club, we are committed to creating positive impact and working for the betterment of society. Now in its second year, with more volunteers taking part, ‘May · We Care’ underscores our dedication to the community and demonstrates how deeply our people are engaged in serving it. This initiative is a powerful reflection of the genuine care of those who work at - or have retired from - the Club. Volunteering truly is the heart and soul of what we do, it connects our team directly to the community and reminds us why the Club is so special – bringing to life our ‘One Club, One Vision, One Team’ spirit.”

Club Executive Director, Membership and Customer Excellence, Terecina Kwong (2nd right), joins colleagues in baking horse-shaped cookies with persons with intellectual disabilities and people undergoing rehabilitation, promoting social inclusion.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined 16 volunteers in leading underprivileged families on a docent tour of Tai Kwun, introducing the 180-year history of the heritage site, the Club’s contribution to its conservation and revitalisation, as well as its ongoing funding of operations – making Tai Kwun one of Hong Kong’s most popular cultural landmarks for both locals and tourists. The volunteers also served as workshop facilitators, guiding participants through a soft pastel art session to create their own unique “Ponies on Parade” artworks.

Over 100 volunteers visit elderly residents in Tuen Mun, Tai Po and the North District, delivering nutritious food and care.

Through “May · We Care”, the CARE Team successfully recruited more than 100 new members, bringing total membership to over 2,300. The team continues to broaden its impact by integrating members’ skills into volunteer service through innovative initiatives such as the “CARE Band”, “Cantonese Opera Team”, “CARE Painters”, “Balloon Twisting Team”,  “Hair Cutting Team” and “CAREthelets”. Together, these efforts help foster a more caring and inclusive community.

Volunteers support dog adoption days across districts, including at the pet-friendly HKJC Lohas Park Off-Course Betting Branch, helping homeless dogs find new families.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th right back row) and volunteers lead participating families on a docent-led tour of Tai Kwun, introducing its history and heritage features.