New World Development’s mask dispensers bring relief to the disadvantaged

With the continued requirement to wear masks in the current epidemic, a local property developer has stepped up its effort by manufacturing its own masks and distributing them free to underprivileged groups in Hong Kong starting next Monday.

New World Development unveiled yesterday the much-anticipated ‘Mask To Go’ dispensers aimed at lending a hand to disadvantaged groups in the community in the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic. To launch the scheme, the Group has set up its own production line in Hong Kong to manufacture high-quality ASTM Level 1 face masks.

Throughout two phases, the dispensers will be spread over 37 designated centres run by 17 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across all the 18 districts, benefiting a total of 40,000 people in Hong Kong. Commencing May 25, the first phase of the initiative will enable 12,000 pre-registered low-income families and disadvantaged groups to collect, over ten consecutive weeks, a free pack of five medical masks made by the Group.

Adrian Cheng, CEO of New World Development says, “Despite the recent easing of the epidemic, health experts have warned of a second wave of outbreak later this year. It is, therefore, of utmost importance for all of us to stay alert, and to strive to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

The initiative is an integral part of #LoveWithoutBorders, a new shared platform launched under Cheng’s global Creating Shared Value (CSV) program to celebrate the power of love by supporting and contributing creative and sustainable solutions to those in need around the world.

Emily Lee, Acting Deputy Chief Executive of HKYWCA, points out that although the supply of masks has stabilized in the local market, they remain unaffordable for some underprivileged groups and the ‘Mask To Go’ dispensers scheme can aide them effectively.

To make it simple and convenient to obtain the masks, each registered beneficiary will receive a contactless smart redemption card with a QR code entitling them to collect a pack of five masks from the dispensers.

The second phase will cover existing recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), full-rate Working Family Allowance, Old-age Living Allowance and Disability Allowance, benefitting over 20,000 people. Eligible applicants can register through any one of the 18 newly-designated NGO centres run by the participating NGOs. The allocation will be determined by a draw if the number of applications exceeds the quota.

May Tsang, a single mother of three young children, could not afford a pack of mask that cost around $300 during the early stage of the outbreak. “We resorted to reusing the same mask for five days,” she says. “New World Development’s ‘Mask to Go’ dispenser scheme eases our economic burden on mask purchasing, especially when the schooling of my children will soon resume.”

Apart from the ‘Mask to Go’ dispenser scheme, New World Development will continue distributing millions of masks to communities in need through its existing arrangements with NGOs. The Group has also set up an anti-epidemic fund of $10 million for Hong Kong-based families via its charitable foundation.

Visit https://www.lovewithoutborders.hk for more information on the application procedures and details of the ‘Mask to Go’ Dispenser.