Speech by SCS at the Civil Service Volunteer Action Launching Ceremony cum Tree Planting Day

Following is the speech by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Miss Denise Yue, at the Civil Service Volunteer Action Launching Ceremony cum Tree Planting Day today (May 12)(translation):

Members of civil service voluntary service teams, fellow colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to be here today to join you in such a meaningful ceremony, which officially marks the kick-off of the Civil Service Volunteer Action.

As members of the public, civil servants are not only committed to serving the community, but are also willing to give their spare time to help those in need and bring them joy, hope and warmth. In joining today’s activity, you are among those who are devoted to contributing to the community at leisure time by participating in voluntary work, extending our community-oriented service culture into our private lives.

To promote volunteerism in the civil service, the Civil Service Bureau launched the Civil Service Volunteer Work Programme in 2002. The programme aims at encouraging civil servants to form voluntary service teams to help those in need at leisure time. Through this, we can show to the public our caring side. Since its implementation, the programme has received enthusiastic support from our colleagues. So far, more than 60 staff volunteer teams have been set up. The launch of the Civil Service Volunteer Action this year is a continuation and enhancement of the Civil Service Volunteer Work Programme. This is to encourage more civil servants to take part in voluntary services and serve the community. This activity is more than just a voluntary work event. It is one of the events in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The Civil Service Volunteer Action will last for one year. From June to October this year, the Civil Service Bureau will work together with the relevant departments to provide voluntary services under five specific themes, namely protect and conserve our environment, share our work with the community, caring for the community, promote a healthy lifestyle as well as promote arts and cultural activities. I hope more fellow colleagues and more departments will organise voluntary activities under the five themes, so that more people in need can be benefited. We will conduct promotional activities like press release and roving exhibitions to publicise the voluntary services of civil servants.

“We care, we volunteer” is the motto of the Civil Service Volunteer Action. With this goal, let’s join hands to serve the community and help those in need.

Thank you.

Saturday, May 12, 2007