A supportive family is important in the current economic crisis, so the Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council and Ma Wan Park are staging a five-month programme to let nearly 1,000 people from 300 disadvantaged families visit the Park. The visitors will take part in activities intended to foster family unity and love. The organizers hope that the programme will help people stay positive.

The programme will entail 14 outings to Ma Wan Park for groups of people living in Tung Chung, Tin Shui Wai, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin, Ma On Shan and Kowloon City. The participants will be able to use Park facilities and take part in parent-child activities to enhance communication. The Park will pay for transportation and lunch.

The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council and Ma Wan Park announced the campaign today (January 6). The announcement was followed by Life Education Director of the Centre for Restoration of Human Relationships and legislative councilor Wong Sing-chi talking about family ties and 50 families from Tung Chung and guests taking part in activities like orienteering, where they followed a path through seven checkpoints designed to teach partnership and love.

Ma Wan Park Project Director Spencer Lu said: "A loving family can cushion individuals against the financial crisis and in the long run benefit Hong Kong's social harmony. Ma Wan Park is very good for family activities. We hope that the programme will encourage children and teach them about social interaction. Most importantly, we hope to send a loving message to Hong Kong and encourage less fortunate families in particular to stay positive."

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Acting Director Joseph Man said: "We want to thank Ma Wan Park for sponsoring this programme despite the current recession. It will benefit nearly 1,000 people from 300 disadvantaged families, and we hope it will make people understand the importance of family amid the economic downturn."

Ma Wan Park has staged free activities for 50 schools, community groups and non-governmental organizations that attracted over 2,500 people. Participants have included residents of Tin Shui Wai and Tung Chung who toured the park, saw the lush scenery and learned more about nature, plus 500 children from low-income families who attended a liberal learning programme last August to imbue self-confidence, resilience and social skills.