As communities around the world grapple to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, Melco Resorts & Entertainment has been throwing weight behind efforts to proactively support the community of Macau.
Since late January, the Company has continued to execute its series of supportive measures for the local community in both the immediate and long term, including the donation of MOP 28 million to the Chinese government and local NGOs to help curb the spread of the virus and the direct financial or health support of affected persons, as well as raising awareness for the prevention of the virus within the community.
COMMITMENT TO MACAU RESIDENTS
Forming part of Melco’s long-term commitment to local people, the Company recently hired 100 local resident construction workers whose livelihoods have been impacted by the coronavirus. A recruitment fair was effectively conducted with support from Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM). Offered with one-year employment contracts, successful applicants have since began working at Melco, with on-the-job training to enhance not only technical skills for personal growth, but also help contribute to the sustainable future of Macau.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “Melco has long been committed to the sustainable development of Macau, as well as promoting Whole Person Development for local residents. At this challenging and unprecedented time, we stand with the people and the Macao SAR Government in our fight against the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. The recruitment project looks to support the needs of the local community through the effective creation of job opportunities and the sense of togetherness, as a show of Melco’s care and concern for one of the local groups most affected by recent events.”
MINIMIZING SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS
Aside from offering aid to those in the construction industry, Melco has reached out to other impacted local groups through its community partners like the FAOM and Women’s General Association of Macau.
Together with FOAM, Melco set up the Special Aid Fund for Workers in Need with a donation of MOP 5 million to take care of local self-employed persons, workers and families impacted by the virus. Melco worked closely with FAOM to identify 1,500 beneficiaries consisting of affected persons such as taxi drivers, coach drivers, tour guides and their families.
To further support the fight against the spread of COVID-19, Melco donated 500,000 surgical masks to the Macao SAR Government and to the local community, with 200,000 such masks being donated directly to designated operating NGOs under Social Affairs Bureau. The masks will go to help vulnerable groups in the community, such as the elderly, single families, long-term patients, and medical patient support staff.
Melco also donated MOP 3 million to its long-term community partner, Women’s General Association of Macau, for the purchase of surgical face masks, with the aim to help reduce risk of infection. The donation provides for an allowance scheme to help families impacted by the new strain of Coronavirus, in particular single mothers and those with children with special needs.
PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Never has it been more important to be mindful of personal hygiene and wellbeing. To help the government publicize its Coronavirus prevention appeal among the wider community, Melco is supporting Macao Daily News’ extensive online video series titled ‘Healthy Macao: Essential Tips for Combatting Illness’. The videos cover topical information on issues such as ways to identify symptoms of COVID-19, how to wear tie-on surgical masks safely and effectively, best bathroom hygiene practices, how to choose household disinfectants, and do-at-home stretches for maintaining physical health.
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