The Hsinchu County Government introduced the“Creating Happy and Caring Hsinchu County─Charity Food Vouchers for Disadvantaged Families Program.” Today (Jan.17, 2014) marked the initiation of the program, and by collaborating with 357 stores, including 4 major convenience stores and charity shops, the County government endeavors to aid the underprivileged and poverty-stricken families (excluding low-income families) with charity meals and follow-up daily life consultation. Charity food vouchers are estimated to be given away to 7,850 people, and the “charity cards” will be dispensed to 110 households by Pxmart with monthly NT$ 1000 allocated to each household. This program aims to offer timely helps to those in need and to set an example of good deeds for the society to follow, thereby shaping Hsinchu County into a healthy and happy city.
“The County government has been actively engaged in setting up the dispatching platforms of material banks since taking office, and through the raised social welfare fund totaling to NTD. 2.9 billion, 3 new offices are scheduled to open in Zhubei City, Zhudong Township and Jianshih Township, respectively,” stated Magistrate Chiu Ching-Chun at the press conference on Jan.17. Chiu also emphasized that immediate care can be distributed properly through resource integration, and the loving and warm care can light up every corner of the whole society.
In working on philanthropy, the Hsinchu County Council is second to none. Executive Officer of Speaker Chen Jian-Chun, Councilor Ho Kan-Ming, Councilor Lin Pao-Kuang, Councilor Shang Kuan Chiu-Yan and Councilor Lu Tung-Wen also took part in the press conference, calling for everyone’s participation in the philanthropic activities.
The Hsinchu County government actively seeks for enterprise and social resources to conduct the scholarship program for disadvantaged students, thus ensuring that students can study without worrying. Furthermore, by integrating the social resources, 3 major Chinese-festival home visit activities have been carried out for years, aiming to provide the needy families with emergency assistance and home visits. In addition, the launch of“Love and Care for Sprouts in Hsinchu Program” is intended for setting up a comprehensive welfare service distribution system and a social assistance safety protection network in Hsinchu County to eventually carry out the social welfare policies.
The Catholic Hua Kuang Center for the Developmentally Disabled was guesting on the press conference to perform the“lion dance for joy,” which marked and warmed up the beginning of the ceremony. Along with the lively performance of mascots Pi-Pi Lion and Taiwan Barbet, the guests were all overwhelmed by the Chinese New Year atmosphere. Despite the bone-chilling cold snaps in winter time, Hsinchu County, on the contrary, is full of warm humanity. The County government will send the warmest regards to teenagers, elders and people with disabilities before the Chinese New Year by offering home visits and financial assistance. Therefore, the implementation of welfare services can be ensured, and Hsinchu County will be one step closer to becoming the Healthy City.
Source: Relief Aid and Welfare of the Disabled Section, Social Affairs Department, Hsinchu County Government
Contact Person: Cai Hui-Juan
Tel: 03-5518101 ext.3172
Writer: Chen Chang-Shun