(April 2, 2007 – Beijing and Hong Kong) The China Disabled Persons’ Federation today announced a donation of HK$100 million from the Li Ka-shing Foundation and the Cheung Kong Group of Companies in further support of the New Cheung Kong Milestone Programme. This donation will help provide prosthetics for 100,000 amputees, offer technology training for the disabled and improve rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy.
The collaboration between the Li Ka-shing Foundation and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) started in the 1980s, and this partnership has helped over one million cataract sufferers to regain their eyesight, has provided 70,000 artificial limbs for amputees, and has also offered medical care, education and services for over 10 million disabled persons. The aim of the Cheung Kong New Milestone Programme is to empower the disabled to live a life of dignity and to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Mr. Deng Pufang, Chairman of the CDPF, said, “Mr. Li’s generous gesture once again exemplifies his efforts to help the underprivileged. His donation will also increase public awareness of the plight of the disabled and enable persons with disabilities to participate in society and enjoy the fruits of its success.”
Mr. Ismail Amat, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, presented Mr. Li with an award for his outstanding contributions to the disabled. Mr. Li had earlier received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ministry of Civil Affairs for his philanthropic efforts.
Professor Li Yuguang, Director of the Li Ka-shing Shantou University Foundation, accepted the award on Mr. Li’s behalf and read his acceptance statement. “As an entrepreneur, Mr. Li understands the value of hard-earned money. However, he also believes that being able to contribute is a blessing. If everyone can do his or her part, the world would be a much better place.”
Mr. Li also thanked all those involved with the Cheung Kong New Milestone Programme, without whose dedication and professionalism the project would not be a success. The award belongs to each and every one who contributed, Mr. Li said.
The Cheung Kong New Milestone Programme is a major collaboration between the Li Ka-shing Foundation and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation. Between 2000 and 2005, the programme provided artificial limbs for amputees, training for teachers of deaf children, schooling for blind children, services for the disabled in impoverished areas, and training for blind masseurs. The Programme has been successful in raising public awareness of the disabled and has secured a total of RMB 1.44 billion in funding support. The project management of the Cheung Kong New Milestone Programme has also been widely recognized as a model of quality management by the State Council.
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