HSBC anniversary banknotes help raise HK$477 million for key organisations
Bank announces recipients after thousands rushed out to buy one of the two million HK$150 commemorative bills issued last year
E-learning, intelligent robots for special schools, mental health and environmental protection were among recipients of the HK$477 million public donation raised from the sale of HSBC’s anniversary banknotes.
Tens of thousands of people rushed out to buy the 2 million anniversary banknotes last year, each worth HK$150 and issued to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
The bank’s Asia-Pacific chief executive Peter Wong Tung-shun, said of the HK$477 million public donation, HK$377 million will be allocated to 11 projects through the Hongkong Bank Foundation, which focuses on three themes – youth and education, medical health and the environment.
The remaining HK$100 million will be offered to the Community Chest of Hong Kong, for 24 local charities, he said.
This includes Intelligent Robots for SEN Children Learning, Castle Peak Hospital’s mental health experience museum, Breast Health for Life, Personal Air Quality Solutions and others.
Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, who attended the charity allocation ceremony on Thursday, said preparing for the anniversary banknotes was not an easy task as it took four years to design and issue.
“The HK$150 banknote is legal tender, which is issued according to all the Hong Kong legal requirements,” Tsang said. “People can use it, although I do not believe anyone will do so.”
Tsang said.
