In the same way that it 'builds homes with heart', Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) also cares about society. The company recently formed a volunteer team made up of 700 staff members, in order to coordinate the voluntary efforts of SHKP staff and contribute to the community with deeds and compassion. The team's first project is the 'Buy a Bear to Show Your Care' fundraising campaign for the Haven of Hope Sunnyside School. The money raised will help the school build the first sensory garden in Hong Kong, providing severely mentally-handicapped children with an outdoor playground for both recreation and therapy.

The SHKP volunteer team is made up of staff from different departments, coordinated by an inter-departmental committee that identifies the team's direction and formulates service plans. The committee also organizes activities like seminars, visits and training for the volunteers, so they can learn at the same time as assisting the community, helping others and enriching themselves.

Philip Wu, SHKP's Group Head - Internal Affairs, said, "SHKP already participates in numerous community projects, and both the parent company and many of its subsidiaries have existing volunteer groups. Forming the SHKP volunteer team draws these forces together into an enormous voluntary network. I believe that participating in volunteer work gives our staff fulfillment and the satisfaction of helping others."

The SHKP volunteer team will be out in force for the 'Buy a Bear to Show Your Care' fundraising campaign to be held on July 19 and 20, raising money to help the Haven of Hope Sunnyside School build a sensory garden for severely mentally-handicapped children. The charity sale will take place in 36 locations throughout the territory, including 20 SHKP malls, a number of MTR and KCR stations and some malls owned by Swire Properties and the MTR Corporation. The design of the planned sensory garden is based on other sensory gardens overseas, with modifications to suit the special needs of Sunnyside's students. It will form part of the school's sensory integration therapy programme.