EAE Program

Annual Report ---April 2003– March 2004

Thanks to all the benevolent donors for their care and support. The economic downturn and the SARS epidemic last year made a heavy lash to the already weak Hong Kong economy. Affected were the quality of life of the poor, not merely that the the average citizen. Your generous and benevolent act has given our colleagues added impetus and determination in our strive on service.

Rising Demand

Demand last year has increased by 40.6%, i.e. 696 cases over the previous year, 1,711 to 2,407. The number of total electrical appliances issued rose 31%, i.e. from 2,085 to 2,734, an increase of 649 pieces.

During the rampage of SARS, the authority placed great emphasis to the need for improved indoor ventilation in order to combat SARS, we sent out 669 electric fans, 343 more than the previous year and a 95% increase. We have to thank those who had helped us in making such action possible, not just fighting SARS but also in the provision of a much cooler environment to the dwellers in the summer heat. This was particularly true to those old people, some were afraid to leave their homes or meeting strangers in the heavily affected Ngau Tau Kok district. Your timely feat is really of great contributions and merits.

As last year’s winter was unexpectedly severe your timely donation had more than double the number of warm air heaters, heaters,hot pots and hot water heaters (total 842 pieces for the whole year) made available to fight winter cold for the needy.

Existing Difficulties

As social workers, our role is to service social need and resolve difficulties. The EAE program helps the poor and lonely elderly people to improve their living. As the authority provides no funding, it will always be difficult due to lack of funding and manpower resources. While expressing our great appreciation for your support, we would also like taking this opportunity sharing with you current difficulties listed hereunder.

Needs Will Increase

Surge in demand for appliances and hence funding - facing currenteconomic conditionand an aging population, we are expecting greater demand for assistance on the EAE Program in the coming year.

Lack of Staff

Increase in work load/pressure - primary objective is to speed up the distribution process. To achieve this we really need one extra worker to help, however current financial resource for keeping the existing contract worker to run this program will soon be exhausted, hence you can realize our dilemma.

Need More Volunteers

Additional volunteers -workers to help service monitoring, application audit, collection/delivery drivers cum vehicles,all require zealous participation from people in our community.

Need a Warehouse

Warehousing - another vital issueof the EAE program. Existing warehouse facility has to be vacated this summer, finding an alternate site,as our new logistics base is a current headache.

Nevertheless, we are confident in overcoming the difficulties. We will strive ahead in serving the needy and show them your care and support.

Your Benevolent Donation Made

More Poor Old Got Benefited

Work comparison Apr/03-Mar/04 versus Apr/02- Mar/03:

Case source / 4/03-3/04 / 4/02-3/03
SJS / 194 / 138
Social Welfare Dept. / 200 / 48
Other Government Dept. / 78 / 51
Non-gov’t organization / 1,755 / 1,374
Miscellaneous / 180 / 100
Total / 2,407 / 1,711

Electrical appliances issue record

Fan / 669 / 343
Rice cooker / 355 / 675
Heater / 313 / 6
Radio / 268 / 234
Warm air heater / 242 / 19
TV / 215 / 187
Refrigerator / 176 / 209
Hot pot / 166 / 143
Water heater / 121 / 51
Fax machine / 60 / 1
Telephone / 55 / 37
Washing machine / 41 / 47
Sounding boiler / 37 / 73
Clock / 5 / 0
CD player / 2 / 1
Indoor antenna / 2 / 0
Gas cooker / 1 / 2
Soupcooker / 1 / 45
Hair drier / 1 / 5
Mobile plone / 1 / 2
VCD player / 1 / 1
Induction cooker / 1 / 0
Air conditioner / 1 / 0
Microwaveoven / 0 / 2
Iron / 0 / 1
Computer / 0 / 1
Total / 2,734 / 2,085

How to participate in this Program

i)Contribute relevant home appliances

ii)Participating in distribution activities;

iii)Advise your friends and relatives about the needs of this Program.

iv)Contribute cash

Contribute to support program by：

Inquiry and Website:

St. James’ Settlement

Contact Person: P. L. Chan

Tel: 2835-4321 or 8107-324

E-mail:

Website:

Address: Room 105, 1/F, 85 Stone Nullah Lane, Wanchai, Hong Kong.