Singapore, 19 January 2008 – This morning, 205 elderly living at one-room flats in Singapore celebrated an early Lunar New Year, as StarHub kicked off its first community outreach event in 2008.  All 205 elderly, aged between 55 and 90, were each given a $188 cash ang pow, a festive hamper worth $130 and a lunch pack from the StarHub Sparks Fund.

Bearing festive goodies such as bird’s nest, abalone, dried mushroom, pineapple tarts, Chinese tea and mandarin oranges, top Hong Kong TV star – Bobby Au Yeung, joined 30 volunteers from StarHub to bring festive cheer to the elderly.  The star was in town to promote TVB content on StarHub Digital Cable. 

“While we are saddened to see so many elderly living alone, we are heartened that StarHub and our volunteers are able to bring some warmth to them this festive season.  I am glad that our channel partner – TVB, is able to arrange for its top star to join us in this meaningful event, and further brighten the day for these elderly,” said Ms Jeannie Ong, Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, StarHub.

The 205 elderly are residents at Block 1, Holland Close at Buona Vista, under the Holland – Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency (GRC).  Most of them are living alone and no longer working due to old age or disabilities, some of them are also on public welfare assistance.

“I am very happy to meet my favourite TVB star and received such a generous ang pow and hamper from StarHub today!  This is definitely my most memorable Lunar New Year treat, not only because of the gifts but also for the company,” said Mr Teng Kee Geok, a 90-years old elderly.

To date, StarHub has donated more than $3 million dollars from its StarHub Sparks Fund, to help more than 70 volunteer welfare organisations (VWOs).  The StarHub Sparks Fund was established in 2000. 

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