HKJC commits HK$820m to youth residential care initiative

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has launched a large-scale initiative aimed at supporting children and youths receiving Residential Child Care Services, backed by more than HK$820m from its Charities Trust.

JC Project Bonfire is intended to support approximately 4,300 young people in Hong Kong who are unable to live with their families due to challenging circumstances. The initiative combines personalized development planning, community networks and cooperation between different sectors.

The project officially launched alongside the opening of a JC Bonfire Hub in San Po Kong, the second community facility established under the program following an earlier hub in Tuen Mun.

Central to the initiative is its Positive Trajectory Framework, which focuses on five areas: health, trusted relationships, sense of purpose, social capital and skills for navigating future opportunities.

So far, 65 Trajectory Development Coordinators have completed 150 hours of professional training each. They are currently supporting 2,300 children and youths through individualized development plans and connections with community resources. More than 250 community partners have also joined the initiative.

Support varies according to individual living arrangements. For young people in small group homes, the program focuses on long-term development and access to broader opportunities and support networks.

For those in foster care, services also extend to foster and biological families. These include family engagement programs, support for reunification where appropriate and preparation for independent living.

The new San Po Kong hub will provide a shared space for young people, families, caregivers, professionals and community organizations. It will also offer foster parents professional training, respite services and peer support. 

The initiative forms part of the Jockey Club's wider charitable activities. In 2025/26, the organization returned HK$39.3bn to the community, including HK$30.7bn in taxes and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$8.6bn in approved charitable donations.