Jockey Club Donates 20,000 Mobiles For Elderly People

The Jockey Club announced on Tuesday that will hand out 20,000 free mobile phones to underprivileged people aged 65 and above so they can use the government's LeaveHomeSafe app.

It said it has donated HK$27 million as it partners with 12 NGOs, as well as mobile network service providers on the initiative.

The Jockey Club noted that some senior citizens have been unable to afford a smartphone to use the LeaveHomeSafe app.

The government has made it mandatory for people to use the app when entering restaurants and most public venues, although those aged 65 and above are exempt.

Each of the free devices will come with a 12-month basic mobile service and training for users to learn the practical skills of using smartphones and mobile applications.

In order to qualify for the free phone, elderly people have to receive government subsidies through the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme and must not live a residential care home.

The Jockey Club also underlined that all applicants will have to be referred by social workers of community elderly centres operated by the 12 collaborating NGOs.