Corporate bits | MGM steps up typhoon recovery efforts with disaster-management training

MGM has donated funds and offered volunteer support for the Macau community following Typhoon Hato last month. Now it is also sponsoring the training of disaster-management specialists in anticipation of future natural disasters.

The gaming operator said it had purchased rehab buses for Caritas de Macau and Fuhong Society of Macau, stair aids for Caritas de Macau, and diagnostic equipment for the Macau Deaf Association. In the case of the final institution, MGM also helped to set up an audiometer testing room.

Moreover, it has made donations to repair damage to the exterior and interior of Sao Jose Ka Ho School and to the Macau Special Olympics’ social enterprise, Sociedade de Ngai Chun Se Ltda, to purchase cleaning equipment.

During the week in which Typhoon Hato struck the city, the Golden Lion Volunteer Team joined forces with União Geral das Associações dos Moradores de Macau (UGAMM) and Macau Federation of Trade Unions to help distribute meal boxes and water to senior citizens.

Recently, in collaboration with UGAMM Peng On Tong Calling Service Center, the Volunteer Team set out to Rua da Praia do Manduco, which is the city’s worst-affected area, and Seac Pai Van, to visit nearly 120 senior citizens. A goodie-bag containing food, a flashlight, duct tape and typhoon preparedness tips was prepared for each senior citizen.

Meanwhile, other volunteers continued their efforts to clear debris in Coloane to restore the natural beauty of Macau.

Aside from these immediate responses, MGM is supporting the improvement of disaster-
response capabilities for the community. The company has sponsored staff from Caritas de Macau to participate in disaster management training in Nepal to create trained locals for future emergencies.

Grant Bowie, chief executive officer and executive director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, “[the typhoon] has brought about the united spirit of Macau residents with their swift actions and selfless effort to help each other.”

“With our ethos of ‘Creating a Better Macau,’ we will not only focus on rebuilding Macau in the short term, but more importantly, the sustainable recovery of our local community in the long run,” he added.