Hong Kong officials announced Tuesday a substantial financial package totaling HK$3.4 billion, funded by both public contributions and government assistance, designated for residents affected by the crisis at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak provided key details during an afternoon press briefing, focusing on the newly established Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court.
Massive Community and Government Support Combined
The cornerstone of the relief effort is the robust community response. Mr. Cheuk confirmed that individual donations have surged past expectations, reaching HK$3.1 billion. This massive public appeal is supplemented by an initial injection of HK$300 million from the government, bringing the comprehensive fund total to HK$3.4 billion.
To provide immediate relief to property owners, Cheuk stated that every flat owner impacted by the incident will receive a direct subsidy of HK$100,000.
The depth of public generosity has been extraordinary, with the HK$3.1 billion in private donations sourced from more than 263,000 separate contributions. Analysis of the donation structure reveals widespread participation:
- Approximately 277,000 smaller donations, each under HK$10,000, demonstrated broad community backing.
- Conversely, roughly 170 significant contributions exceeding HK$50,000 accounted for a combined sum of HK$1.7 billion, highlighting substantial support from major benefactors.
Tax Relief and Pet Rescue Efforts
In a move designed to acknowledge and incentivize charitable giving, the government is preparing to issue official donation receipts starting next week. Officials affirmed that these receipts will enable donors to claim tax relief benefits, with specific instructions to be released shortly.
Simultaneously, humanitarian concerns were addressed, particularly regarding the welfare of numerous displaced pets. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) spokesperson expressed profound concern over the status of 84 unaccounted-for domestic animals.
The SPCA confirmed it had delivered vital supplies, including bottled water, cat food, and dog food, to the Police earlier in the day. The organization received assurances from law enforcement that the SPCA would be immediately notified if any animals are discovered, regardless of their condition. This coordinated effort aims to rescue any surviving pets and provide closure to affected families.
The establishment and immediate deployment of the Wang Fuk Court Support Fund underscores the swift coordination between public appeals and government action in handling the large-scale displacement and financial hardship faced by the residents of the Tai Po complex. Further updates on the disbursement schedule and additional relief measures are expected in the coming weeks as recovery efforts continue.