Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) is strongly committed to its corporate social responsibility (CSR). On September 28, the Society received the Award of Excellence for Caring as part of the Industry Care Recognition Program Group of Companies 2021. In the face of the epidemic, Towngas responded to the new normal by applying innovative sustainable measures to accommodate various CSR activities, which also earned it the most innovative award under the Company Group. Hosted by Hong Kong Federation of Industries, the Industry Cares Recognition Scheme aims to recognize companies that have continued to serve the needs of stakeholders and various sectors of society despite the epidemic, thereby instilling positive and warm energy into the community.

Affected by COVID-19, many disadvantaged families have seen their income decline due to unemployment or underemployment. Towngas joined Christian Family Service Center early last year by launching the “Love on Delivery” program, which provided fresh and nutritious food packages twice a week to families in need to reduce their food expenses. The program has also set up a dedicated online social platform to share useful information despite social distancing. At the food parcel distribution points, social workers were also able to reach out to people in need who were less accessible due to the outbreak to maintain communication and offer assistance. To date, the program has donated a cumulative total of 48,000 packages of fresh food to more than 1,800 families. Towngas believes that the program not only provides food, but more importantly warmth and care to underprivileged families during the outbreak by building support by connecting with them and fostering cohesion through the social platform.

Another of Towngas’ key CSR initiatives is “Farming for Charity”. Launched in 2013, the program welcomes Towngas volunteers and retirees as well as their family and friends to organic farming activities every Saturday morning. During the outbreak, volunteers persisted in cultivating every week while practicing anti-coronavirus measures. The resulting harvest is given to underprivileged people or to charity sales in order to give back to society. Towngas also works with social welfare organizations to host organic farming experiences for various groups led by trained volunteers to spread health and environmental protection messages. When the epidemic slowed this year, Towngas cooperated with St James Colony and invited students with special educational needs and their families to experience on-farm gardening therapy.

By learning to sow seeds, make fertilizer, turn the land and harvest, the participants tried their hand at farming and connected with nature with the aim of improving student problems such as hyperactive and attention deficit disorders as well as stimulate creativity and imagination. In addition, Towngas continued its efforts to create shared value for different stakeholders and jointly face difficulties during the epidemic. In response to the increase in the local unemployment rate, Towngas adapted the “Unemployment Support Program” in the middle of last year to offer around 60 short-term positions to ease the financial burden on participants.

During the training, participants were able to participate in work such as inspecting gas risers and promoting the member loyalty platform. To support the food industry devastated by the epidemic, Towngas offered the free application and distribution of long-acting photocatalytic disinfectant for restaurants in Hong Kong and launched a kitchen equipment rental and purchase program for small and medium-sized restaurants. Going forward, Towngas will continue its efforts and advocacy for CSR and instill the relevant principles in its operating strategy and management policies, in addition to striving for its vision of CSR by giving back to society and by creating shared value for stakeholders.

Contact:

Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations Department

15 / F, 363 Java Road, north point, Hong Kong

Fax: 2516 7368

Email: cad@towngas.com