Sustainability Report 2015/16

Creating a Learning Culture Reading contributes to the mental well-being of individuals and the intellectual growth of communities. Establishing reading habits fosters holistic personal development and growth, and encourages meaningful communication. Nurturing Young Talent –SHKP Reading Club The Group recognized the long-term benefits of reading and started the SHKP Reading Club in December 2013 as a free platform to introduce the joy of reading to everyone in the community. The Club had reached 35,800 members in Hong Kong and on the mainland at the end of this reporting year. ReadIt and Read Monthly magazines are produced regularly and activities are organized to foster reading for people from all walks of life. Recycle your Read A collaboration with the World Green Organisation to extend the lifespan of books and provide better access to reading for the underprivileged through book recycling. Over 44,000 books of all kinds were collected and given to 50 NGO partners this reporting year. Explore the World For the second year the Club promoted multi-lingual reading through cultural exchanges. It connected nearly 200 underprivileged children, youth volunteers and exchange students from Hong Kong, Thailand, Germany, Norway, Belgium and Brazil. 2016/17 Young Writers’ Debut Competition The competition began in April 2016 with Joint Publishing (Hong Kong). Young authors are encouraged to realize their dreams of publishing their first books. The Club hopes to build an authentic Hong Kong reading culture through the competition. Read to Dream The Club believes that every child should experience the joy of reading, so its signature Read to Dream was held for the eighth year with the St. James’ Settlement and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to create a relaxed and happy reading experience for everyone. The Club took 1,200 underprivileged children to the Hong Kong Book Fair 2015 and book allowances were given to these children. Read and Share This programme with the Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association supports primary school efforts to foster reading enjoyment. Over 60 primary schools participated, involving 80 activities in the academic year 2015/16, including seminars by Young Writers’ Debut Competition winners and creative workshops by cartoonists and picture book authors. Read to Dream took children from underprivileged families to the Hong Kong Book Fair 2015 Visit SHKP Reading Club: www.shkpreadingclub.com Local young writer Rainbow Leung teaching primary students to make books with paper or tissue rolls Value Created for Community Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited Sustainability Report 2015/16 39