(Hong Kong, 12 June 2011) Citizens in Hong Kong are once again invited to vote for the projects they believe will make innovative and positive differences to their communities. Round 2 of the "Love Ideas, Love HK" programme was met with overwhelming enthusiastic response. Among the 1,070 proposals submitted, over 70 per cent were from new applicants.

A total of 915 eligible projects, covering a wide spectrum of services and beneficiaries, will be uploaded to the "Love Ideas, Love HK" website and be available for review and voting from tomorrow (13 June) until 3 July. Grants will be given to the top 25 per cent of the projects selected by voters in each grant category.

In addition to online voting, a dedicated voting hotline 3699 8800 will be activated to facilitate offline voting. Any local Hong Kong phone number with caller display is eligible to cast one vote for each project.

Like last round, 10 per cent of the projects listed for voting will be randomly selected to introduce their proposals via Metro Radio and Commercial Radio - starting 15 June.

In Round 2, there are 492 organisations submitting projects, of which over 64 per cent (317 applicants) are educational institutions and charitable institutions submitting applications for the first time. Among the 305 individual applicants, 88 per cent, or 269 applicants, are new applicants. Of the total 797 applicants, the youngest is 13 years old, while the oldest is 79.

Table 1: Statistics of Applicants

Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) and St James' Settlement continue their support in this round as the consulting organisation and supporting organisation respectively.

Mr Cliff Choi, Business Director (Sector Development & Partnership) of HKCSS said, "The simple application procedures, diverse funding categories and flexible execution periods of 'Love Ideas, Love HK' best suit institutions of smaller scale or the district branches of large charitable institutions in implementing their respective district plans. The programme also bridge the gaps currently not covered by large scale social service plans, and the enthusiastic response from the district branches of different institutions is proof of their love and care of the community."

"Love Ideas, Love HK" is a public philanthropic campaign initiated by LKSF to engage Hong Kong citizens in a united effort to improve our community. Voting for Round 2 starts from 13 June and continues to 3 July. Winners will be announced on 7 July and will receive grants in 30 days at the earliest. For more information.

Details of the project applications are as follows:

Table 2: Statistics of Projects

"Love Ideas, Love HK" is the first programme of LKSF's HK$300 million philanthropic campaign "Love HK Your Way!", which has also launched an expansion of the "Heart of Gold" Hong Kong Hospice Service Programme, a website called Hospice Home and "Love More", a series of 12 short films reminding Hong Kong of loving one another more.

Through the lens of the 12 young and promising film directors, "Love More" showcased that Hong Kong's young and old can be thoughtful, caring and capable to bond and love. The films have received tremendous response since their launch in April and recorded a total viewership of over three million at different viewing platforms including the "Love More" website, YouTube, Tudou and Youku. Please refer to the Appendix for detailed breakdowns.

About the Li Ka Shing Foundation

The Li Ka Shing Foundation was established in 1980 by global entrepreneur and philanthropist Li Ka-shing. Mr Li considers the Foundation to be his "third son" and has pledged one-third of his assets to it. To date, the Foundation has granted over HK$12.5 billion (US$1.6 billion) in charitable donations, approximately 90 per cent of which has gone to the Greater China region.

The Foundation supports projects that propel social progress and create a cycle of charity in the world through expanding access to quality education and healthcare, encouraging cultural diversity and exploration, and stimulating community involvement and sustainable development. For more information, please visit: http://www.lksf.org.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Li Ka Shing Foundation
Jeremy Lau
Tel : (852) 6477 9089 / 2128 1207
Fax : (852) 2128 1766
Email : jeremyl@hwl.com.hk

Appendix: Statistics of Love More Viewership