Audit volunteers paid home visits to elderly residents of Shek O

In the afternoon of 2 November 2024 (Saturday), a team of over ten volunteers, including Prof. Nelson Lam, Director of Audit, colleagues of the Audit Commission (Audit) and their family members, joined the staff of the Hong Kong PHAB Association to visit the elderly in Shek O.

The volunteers first took time to mingle with the elderly residents of the neighbourhood in the Shek O Health Centre.  Our colleagues elaborately set up game booths themed around the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in the venue to celebrate the nation’s big day with the local community.  The elderly had much fun in the meaningful and engaging games.

The volunteers then went to Shek O Village to visit the elderly residents who lived alone and had limited mobility.  In meeting with these senior villagers, the volunteers handed out daily supplies and took the opportunity to spread anti-scam information.  “Volunteers of Audit visited various households and spent time chatting with the senior residents, who shared that they had been making Hong Kong their home for decades and had been witnessing the city’s development over time, and therefore had a strong attachment to Hong Kong.  Their sharing was very enriching.  We cannot thank them enough for their contribution to Hong Kong.  For years, the HKSAR Government has been enhancing elderly services in a bid to improve the quality of life of our senior citizens.  In his recent Policy Address, our Chief Executive put forth various recommendations and measures in areas such as medical expenses and assistance, residential care services and carer support for the elderly.  These efforts show how much the Government values and cares for our senior community,” said Prof. Lam, who also stated that Audit would continue to keep abreast of issues closely related to the livelihood of the people, and, joining hands with all sectors of the society, endeavour to contribute to the Government’s goal of “improving people’s livelihood and building a bright future”, as well as to instill a sense of well-being in the citizens’ lives.

Recounting his first experience of home visits in the Shek O community, an Audit volunteer commented that the service event was indeed an “in-depth” tour, which was a totally different experience from his previous leisure visits to the area.  He found this service experience valuable and memorable, for he had the chance to reach out deep into the Shek O neighbourhood to connect with the residents there, and had a glimpse of their day-to-day lives and the community culture.

In the way forward, Audit will continue to care for the community through various means.  In addition to tending to people from all walks of life, Audit is also dedicated to understanding the people’s needs.  By constantly taking in new perspectives, we will be able to grow, evolve and achieve excellence in our role to provide comprehensive and high quality public sector auditing service.

Audit volunteers, staff of the Hong Kong PHAB Association and the elderly shared a photo.

Prof. Lam, Director of Audit, stated that the Government placed great emphasis on
the needs of the elderly.  He assured that Audit would continue to keep abreast of issues
closely related to the livelihood of the people, and, joining hands with all sectors of
the society, endeavour to contribute to the Government’s goal of
“improving people’s livelihood and building a bright future”.

Prof. Lam, Director of Audit, handed out daily supplies to the elderly
and celebrated the National Day together.

Audit volunteers reminded the elderly to keep their guard up against scams
by being mindful of suspicious calls and websites.

An elderly resident shared fondly of her memories of singing Cantonese opera in her youth.

Audit volunteers designed a series of booth games themed around the 75th Anniversary of
the founding of the People’s Republic of China.  One of the games centered on
the special features of Chinese culture.

The elderly participants spared no effort in playing the booth games.
Audit volunteers were all impressed by their wit and energy.