MACAO, Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bolstering their extensive immediate relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Hato, Sands China Ltd. has pledged to donate MOP 65 million -- MOP 30 million from Sands China and a MOP 35 million contribution from the Adelson Family Foundation -- to assist with longer term relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts in Macao.
"The thoughts and concerns of the Adelson family and our team members around the world have been with the entire Macao community, and certainly our fellow team members, during this extremely challenging time," said Mr. Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Ltd. "We are saddened by the loss inflicted on so many, but inspired by the perseverance and dedication of all those who have already begun the important process of rebuilding. Providing financial resources in support of that effort is a responsibility that Sands China and the Adelson family make without hesitation."
Rebuilding the Community
Shortly after Typhoon Hato hit Macao, the company began mobilising its team members to help communities by providing professional and technical expertise from within the company and its network of associates, human resources, and financial contributions to those appealing for immediate help. This vital action-oriented work continues.
Professional and Technical Assistance
Knowing that the entire city faced immense challenges because of limited engineering and technical services available in the aftermath of two typhoons, Sands China swiftly took the initiative to contact the Macao authorities to offer such support wherever possible.
The team is working with authorities to help check and make repairs to buildings. They are offering technical assistance, spare parts, and assisting with stabilising recently restored electricity and water services. On Tuesday the company dispatched a team of technical staff to help the residents of Fai Tat building in Fai Chi Kei, who were facing water supply problems. The team was able to quickly help successfully restore the water supply there.
The company is providing engineering assistance to the Macau Deaf Association to secure and improve their premises so that the school for the hearing impaired can resume teaching students as soon as possible.
In Coloane, Sands China is working with the authorities to secure homes at the waterfront by repairing roofs and other structural damage to ensure that they are safe for families to return home to as soon as possible.
Transportation
Donations have been made to four non-governmental organisations, including Caritas Macau and Fuhong Society of Macau, to repair motor vehicles damaged during the typhoon. In the meantime, four 7-seater vans have been made available to Caritas Macau to ensure that their Good Take Express service can continue operating.
Cleaning and Replacing Furniture
A few thousand team members -- many during work hours -- organised to help clean up debris and rubbish that accumulated at various locations throughout the city. The teams are assisting at several schools, including Fu Jian School and Choi Kou School, and are also reaching out to nongovernmental organisations to help replace damaged furniture as needed so that they can open as soon as possible. At St. Joseph School, volunteers helped remove damaged electric appliances Wednesday.
SME Support
To offer support to its local SME suppliers during this challenging time, Sands China has launched a new SME support programme:
Distribution of Resources
At a critical time when drinking water was in short supply, Sands China was able to send its Cotai Water Jet ferries to Hong Kong to transport bottled water back to Macao for distribution to the public and the families of its team members. Food supplies were also distributed to communities in need.
Longer-term Support
For children who tragically lost their parents to Typhoon Hato, Sands China has pledged to set up a fund to support their continuing education.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd., said: "Sands China is a company with its roots firmly planted in Macao, and we are doing everything we can to mobilise available resources to help rebuild our community. Our thoughts are with the people of Macao during this difficult time when the city needs support on multiple fronts. We are grateful to the Adelson Family Foundation for their generous donation and will ensure that assistance is given to those in need expeditiously. We appeal to organisations in need to contact us immediately."
A special team within the company is actively reaching out to social welfare, charitable and nongovernmental organisations to better understand their needs, so that assistance and support can be provided where needed.
Sands China's relief efforts are part of Sands Cares, the global corporate citizenship program of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp.
About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928, Sands China or the Company) is a Cayman Islands registered company and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio is comprised of The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza™ Macao, Sands® Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's integrated resorts contain a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at the Cotai Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre and the Sands Cotai Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
For more information, please visit www.sandschinaltd.com.
Sands Cares
A firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Sands China Ltd. engages with the local Macao community as a part of Sands Cares -- the corporate giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company's philanthropic work worldwide, including financial giving, team member volunteerism and in-kind support. The Sands Cares programme seeks to make an impact on its team members and those working in the hospitality industry, the communities where the company operates, and the planet.
Key areas of Sands Cares in Macao include the Sands China Care Ambassador programme for volunteering in the local community; the Sands China Academy, focused on team member training and development, and the professional development of Macao locals; and Sands ECO360, the global sustainability strategy of LVS which guides the company's environmental sustainability initiatives worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.sandscares.sands.com and www.sandschina.com.
Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Venetian Macau Limited
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Simpson Lei
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: simpson.lei@sands.com.mo
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