• Ongoing response in Hong Kong

Major Glenn Price speaks on Sunrise about The Salvation Army's response to the deadly Hong Kong fire.

Salvation Army personnel in Hong Kong are continuing to respond to the aftermath of the tragic fire at Hong Fu Court in Tai Po that began on 26 November.

“The Salvation Amy Hong Kong and Macau Territory is active in bringing hope to those in the community that have lost so much,” said Australian Salvation Army officer, Major Glenn Price, Secretary for Business Administration.

An appeal has also been launched to help support Tai Po residents affected by the fire, as Glenn shared in his interview aired on Sunrise Saturday 29 November.

As of 2 December, The Salvation Army Special Donation for Emergency Support to Tai Po Disaster Victims has raised over HK$25 million. “We sincerely appreciate the generosity of everyone,” Glenn said. “The residents of Hong Fu Court have a long road to rebuild their homes and lives.”

The first round of support for 90 affected families who are going to move into transitional housing, includes a HK$10,000 emergency grant to purchase appliances, daily necessities and bed frames. An additional 2000 bed frames have been purchased, as well as living supplies for connected transitional houses.

Bereavement support and free funeral services offer a full range of support and assistance, including help with funeral planning (family members can choose any funeral and ritual they wish), free funeral services, psychological assessment and emotional support, accompany bereaved people through grief, and more.

The Salvation Army Recycling Program has sent over 8000 pieces of clothing and supplies to The Salvation Army Tai Po Integrated Youth Service Centre for residents of Hong Fu Court in need.

The Salvation Army Tai Po Elderly Community Service Centre and Tai Po Youth Integrated Services provide applications for the ‘Country Chest and Rain Fund’ for disaster-affected residents; the Elderly Community Service Centre escorts residents to appointments and the two centres continue to provide living supplies and emotional guidance to residents of Hong Fu Court.

Needs assessments are ongoing and will continue in the weeks and months ahead.