Henderson Development Anti-Epidemic Fund Extends Mobile Data Plans for 1,700 Local Students for Another Year

Online learning has become the new normal after more than a year into the COVID-19 epidemic, but having to pay for Internet services can add to the burdens of students from low-income families. In light of that, Henderson Development Anti-Epidemic Fund (“The Fund”), a privately-financed charity, has made a donation of HK$600,000 to renew one-year unlimited mobile data plans for over 1,700 financially disadvantaged students in Hong Kong. The unlimited data service plans are supplied by China Mobile Hong Kong at a generous discount.

Established by Henderson Land Group’s Chairmen Dr. Lee Ka Kit, Peter, and Mr. Lee Ka Shing, Martin, in early 2020, the Fund has since introduced a series of relief measures in Hong Kong and mainland China, including a local scheme to distribute laptop computers—equipped with Pocket Wi-Fi and one-year unlimited mobile data—to students in need through six NGOs.

Commenting on the renewal scheme, Mr. Lee Ka Shing, Martin, said: “More than a year into the epidemic, our physical health and mental well-being are still being threatened and impacted. The coronavirus has placed an especially heavy strain on underprivileged families struggling with the added costs of their children’s online education. Unable to afford digital devices or Internet access, some disadvantaged students are experiencing learning difficulties, often with no one to turn to for help. To alleviate this, we have joined forces with various NGOs in hopes of reaching out to these students to offer them the care and support they need, so that they can continue with their studies safely and effectively.”

The Fund is again partnering with the same six NGOs as last year’s, namely Save the Children Hong Kong, Society for Community Organization, St. James’ Settlement, The Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Community Network.

Since February 2020, the Fund has launched a raft of relief measures and initiatives in Hong Kong and mainland China to combat the COVID-19 epidemic and to ease its devastating impact on the community. To date, the Fund has contributed over HK$120 million worth of anti-epidemic supplies and monetary support.