Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao rally with donations after deadly Tai Po fire

(ECNS) -- Donations and emergency supplies have poured in from across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao after a major fire at Hung Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday left heavy casualties.

The Henry Fok Foundation in Macao, the Henry Fok Foundation in Hong Kong and the Fok Ying Tung Group, on Thursday expressed deep concern over the tragedy and announced a HK$30 million donation (about $3,860,000) to support emergency response and reconstruction.

The Jack Ma Foundation also pledged HK$30 million, saying the money would go towards financial assistance for affected families, and support for firefighters and emergency personnel who put their lives at risk. The foundation offered its condolences to the victims.

The Red Cross Society of China said it would donate 2 million yuan (about $282.47 thousand) to the Hong Kong Red Cross for rescue and humanitarian work, with further assistance to follow based on needs.

The Macao Red Cross also donated, saying that Hong Kong and Macao are “closely connected” and that it would continue to support relief efforts.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club said it would release HK$100 million from its Emergency Fund to help the injured and the families of the deceased. The money will be distributed through the Social Welfare Department and local NGOs. The organization described this as its first phase of support, with more aid to come.

China Mobile Hong Kong deployed technical teams to maintain emergency communications, distributed relief supplies, and mobilized staff volunteers.

The Lee Shau Kee Foundation pledged HK$30 million for emergency response and temporary resettlement, expressing deep sadness and offering condolences to those affected.

Chow Tai Fook Group donated HK$20 million, and is providing temporary accommodation, food, warm clothing and daily necessities to residents. The company has also launched an internal fundraising drive.

The Tencent Charity Foundation (Hong Kong) announced an initial donation of HK$10 million for urgent rescue, temporary housing, basic supplies and psychological support. It later added another HK$20 million on Thursday afternoon.

Zhong Ou Asset Management International said its donations would go towards cash assistance or in-kind support, including emergency supplies, medication and relocation costs for transitional housing.

A wide range of other organizations also contributed, including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Ant Group, Xiaomi Hong Kong Foundation, the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations, ANTA Group, XPENG Motors, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, Trip.com Group, NetEase, Lenovo Hong Kong and Futu Securities — reflecting a broad show of solidarity.

As of 6 a.m. on Friday, the fire at Hong Fu Court in Hong Kong has resulted in 94 deaths, including a firefighter, according to local authorities.