Sands China has pledged an additional MOP$65 million – including MOP$35 million from the Adelson Family Foundation – to assist with longer term relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts in Macau.
In a press release issued overnight, Sands China Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson said, “The thoughts and concerns of the Adelson family and our team members around the world have been with the entire Macao community, and certainly our fellow team members, during this extremely challenging time. We are saddened by the loss inflicted on so many, but inspired by the perseverance and dedication of all those who have already begun the important process of rebuilding. Providing financial resources in support of that effort is a responsibility that Sands China and the Adelson family make without hesitation.”
The company stated that, shortly after Typhoon Hato hit Macau, it began mobilising its team members to help communities by providing professional and technical expertise from within the company and its network of associates, human resources, and financial contributions to those appealing for immediate help.
The team, it added, continues to work with authorities to help check and make repairs to buildings. The work includes “offering technical assistance, spare parts and assisting with stabilising recently restored electricity and water services. On Tuesday the company dispatched a team of technical staff to help the residents of Fai Tat building in Fai Chi Kei, who were facing water supply problems. The team was able to quickly help successfully restore the water supply there.
“The company is providing engineering assistance to the Macau Deaf Association to secure and improve their premises so that the school for the hearing impaired can resume teaching students as soon as possible.
“In Coloane, Sands China is working with the authorities to secure homes at the waterfront by repairing roofs and other structural damage to ensure that they are safe for families to return home to as soon as possible.”
Sands China said it has made donations to four non-governmental organisations, including Caritas Macau and Fuhong Society of Macau, to repair motor vehicles damaged during the typhoon. Four seven-seater vans have been made available to Caritas Macau to ensure that their Good Take Express service can continue operating.
A few thousand team members, “ many during work hours,” have organized to help clean up debris and rubbish that accumulated at various locations throughout the city. The teams are assisting at several schools, including Fu Jin School and Choi Kou School, and are also reaching out to nongovernmental organisations to help replace damaged furniture as needed so that they can open as soon as possible. At St. Joseph School, volunteers helped remove damaged electric appliances on Wednesday.
The company also says it is supporting local SME suppliers, launching a new SME support programme that includes expediting payments to any micro-enterprises, young entrepreneurs or “Made-in-Macao” companies that delivered goods or services to Sands China in August.
Upon suppliers’ request, Sands China will also offer a 50% advance payment for purchase orders or contracts issued during the remainder of 2017.
For children who tragically lost their parents to Typhoon Hato, Sands China has pledged to set up a fund to support their continuing education.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd, said, “Sands China is a company with its roots firmly planted in Macau and we are doing everything we can to mobilise available resources to help rebuild our community. Our thoughts are with the people of Macau during this difficult time when the city needs support on multiple fronts.
“We are grateful to the Adelson Family Foundation for their generous donation and will ensure that assistance is given to those in need expeditiously. We appeal to organisations in need to contact us immediately.”
A special team within the company is actively reaching out to social welfare, charitable and non-governmental organisations to better understand their needs, so that assistance and support can be provided where needed.
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