Page 11 - Sphere No.28 (Mar 2011)

killer quake. Working with the Project Hope charity, em-
ployees and the company jointly funded a new, two-storey
school building with eight classrooms which has already
been completed. Work on a library and a teachers’ dormi-
tory is currently underway.
To show gratitude for the help, authorities decided
to name the school the Shanghai Hutchison Whampoa
Pharmaceutical Limited Hope Elementary School. Around
200 pupils will now be able to attend school in the isolated,
dirt-poor township of 2,000 people.
“The project gave us an opportunity to understand the
needs and the reality facing people in the rural areas,” said
one involved staffer. “The disparity left a strong impression
on all of us and caused us to think more critically. It taught
us that we ought to be grateful for what we have.”
Disadvantaged children are the beneficiaries of many
Hutchison initiatives – whether it be those effected by
disaster, poverty or lack of education. Our Chairman Mr
Li Ka-shing is a strong believer in aiding the young so
they can reach their full potential. He has often stated that
knowledge is the foundation for future innovation and
invention.
This is amply demonstrated by the long-standing Dock
School programme, under which Hutchison Port Holdings
member ports across the globe are encouraged to adopt
local schools in need of financial assistance. Contribu-
tions to these schools have included funding construction
projects, scholarships, school supplies and books, computer
purchases and educational activities.
While the Dock Schools are a long-term, ongoing
programme, other projects to help youngsters are for-
mulated as new needs arise. A fine example is Watsons
Spring Bud Scholarship Project, which provides more than
RMB200,000 (USD30,000) to give scholarships to prom-
ising, hard-working students from poor families at two
Chinese schools. Key members of the fund-raising and co-
ordinating team witnessed first-hand the beneficial effects
of their efforts.
“We were glad to talk and interact with the students
directly, handing to them brand new stationery and books,”
recalled one team member. “This charity project enables the
poor but hardworking students to continue their studies,
which may change life for them and their family in the long
run.
“Being involved in the project confirmed the adage
that it is, indeed, better to give than to receive. The charity
visit gave me courage to face challenges in daily work, and
recharged me with optimistic energy.”
Keep smiling
Children are also the focus for the efforts of employees of
Watsons Malaysia, who are bringing a smile to the faces
of less fortunate youngsters – literally. In the past four
years, Watsons Malaysia has worked with Ronald Mc-
Donald House Charities on the “Give the Gift of Smile”
programme, sponsoring the costly corrective surgery
for children born with cleft lips and palates. A total of
HKD80,000 (USD10,000) was raised, money which paid for
eight children to have the life-changing surgery.
“By changing the lives of these children, it will change
ours as well,” said one of the Watsons Malaysia organisers.
“By pro-actively engaging in charity programmes such as
‘Give the Gift of Smile’, we will also foster a closer tie with
our community, build a strong team spirit within our or-
ganisation and more importantly, help those children born
with cleft lips and palates.
“In the past four years, our teams have been actively
supporting children’s causes and ‘Give the Gift of Smile’
will definitely be an ongoing project for us. It is vital that
corporate ethics go beyond superficial window dressing, lip
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