Macau gaming entrepreneur Dr Stanley Ho has donated HK$3.8 million (US$489,000) to support relief efforts in Japan following last month’s 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami.
Only hours after the donation was announced, a fresh 7.4 magnitude quake and tsunami warning hit the same part of northeastern Japan devastated by the March event. It reinforced the urgency of the relief effort and the geological volatility of that part of the Pacific.
Dr Ho’s contribution was made via the Hong Kong Red Cross and received by the Consul General of Japan in Hong Kong, Yuji Kumamaru.
“My thoughts are with the people of Japan in these times of extreme difficulty. I offer them my deepest condolences and my sincere wishes for speedy recovery. With the determination and efforts of the people of Japan and the care and support from around the world, I know that Japan will overcome this tragedy and rebuild itself quickly,” said Dr Ho in a statement, adding a personal message in Japanese.
Dr Ho was honoured by the Emperor of Japan in 1987 in recognition of promoting mutual understanding and close relations between Hong Kong, Macau and Japan.
