Sands China has once again demonstrated its commitment to the Macao community by partnering with Macau Red Cross for the eighth consecutive year under the Sands Cares Disaster Preparation & Emergency Response Kit Programme.
Sands Cares Ambassadors assemble 1,500 emergency kits at the Macau Red Cross headquarters June 11, with the aim of increasing public awareness of disaster preparedness and strengthening the local community’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Sands Cares Ambassadors assemble 1,500 emergency kits at the Macau Red Cross headquarters June 11, with the aim of increasing public awareness of disaster preparedness and strengthening the local community’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of disaster preparedness among different segments of society and reinforce the community’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies. This year, Sands Cares Ambassador volunteers came together to assemble and distribute 1,500 emergency kits to four local schools, while also conducting on-site workshops to teach primary students about disaster readiness and evacuation procedures from an early age.
In response to growing fire safety concerns, a fire evacuation mask was added to this year’s kit, further strengthening household response capabilities. Additionally, the programme was extended to Sands China team members for the first time, with a dedicated workshop held on the property to enhance their personal and workplace emergency preparedness.
Since its inception in 2019, the programme has been co-organised by Sands China and Macau Red Cross, with the support of the Social Affairs Bureau and the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government. The initiative was extended to local schools in 2024, bringing disaster preparedness knowledge and emergency kits to primary students through interactive workshops. To date, nearly 9,000 households have benefited from the programme.
For the first time, the programme offered a First Aid and Disaster Preparation Workshop and distributed emergency kits to Sands China team members on property, strengthening their emergency response capabilities.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Sands China has been collaborating with Macau Red Cross on the Sands Cares Disaster Preparation & Emergency Response Kit Programme for eight consecutive years. Over the years, we have worked together to introduce disaster preparedness and emergency response knowledge to the community, in a bid to strengthen the relevant capabilities of the general public.
“This initiative has demonstrated our company’s commitment to caring for and serving the community and has brought together community forces to promote the spirit of mutual support and assistance.
“This year, not only have we optimised the emergency kits and supplemented them with additional disaster preparedness items, but we have also extended the disaster preparation workshops to our team members for the first time, further expanding the impact of the programme.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Macau Red Cross for their close collaboration over the years, the Macao SAR government and all sectors of society for their support, and Sands Cares Ambassadors for their selfless dedication. Through this programme, Sands China will continue to fulfil the Sands Cares mission of serving the local community, strengthen their risk response capabilities, and contribute to the development of a blissful Macao.”
Sands Cares Ambassadors provide on-site support for a Disaster Preparation Workshop hosted by a Macau Red Cross representative at Kwong Tai Middle School (branch campus).
Sands Cares Ambassadors provide on-site support for a Disaster Preparation Workshop hosted by a Macau Red Cross representative at Kwong Tai Middle School (branch campus).
Sands Cares Ambassadors provide on-site support for a Disaster Preparation Workshop hosted by a Macau Red Cross representative at Kwong Tai Middle School (branch campus).
Owen Wong, deputy director of disaster relief affairs for Macau Red Cross, said: “Since the onslaught of Typhoon Hato and Typhoon Mangkhut, community disaster preparedness has become an integral part of our ongoing work. Our gratitude goes to Sands China for collaborating with us since 2019.
“Together, we have consistently advanced community disaster preparation workshops and the emergency kit initiative, sharing emergency response and evacuation skills in low-lying areas, at schools, and with households. In view of the severe fire incident in a neighbouring region, we have added a session on fire prevention and response to the existing workshop and a fire evacuation mask to the emergency kit, in order to strengthen the public’s ability to protect themselves in the event of a fire or smoke emergency.
“Throughout the past seven years of collaboration, we have always upheld the humanitarian spirit in our efforts—from relief supplies and epidemic prevention to enhancement of practical skills.”
The multi-functional waterproof kit contains essential supplies, including a first aid pack, emergency blanket, whistle, raincoat, KN95 masks, dual-power radio, and a government information leaflet. A fire evacuation mask was this year’s new addition.
The 1,500 emergency kits were assembled by Sands Cares Ambassadors at the Macau Red Cross headquarters in June. Designed by Macau Red Cross based on years of disaster relief experience, the kits feature items sourced and donated locally by Sands China.
Each kit is housed in a multi-functional waterproof bag and includes a first aid pack, emergency blanket, disinfectant wipes, whistle, raincoat, KN95 facemasks, towel, adhesive tape, a dual-power emergency radio with LED flashlight (hand crank and solar powered), and a government leaflet with vital information on emergency shelters and disaster response. This year’s addition of a fire evacuation mask further equips residents to handle a broader range of emergencies. The kits were distributed through schools to students, teaching staff, and their families ahead of the typhoon season, ensuring timely access to essential supplies.
Sands Cares Ambassadors provide on-site support for the Disaster Preparation Workshop hosted by a Macau Red Cross representative at Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School.
Sands Cares Ambassadors provide on-site support for the Disaster Preparation Workshop hosted by a Macau Red Cross representative at Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School.
Sands Cares Ambassadors provide on-site support for the Disaster Preparation Workshop hosted by a Macau Red Cross representative at Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School.
Between June 17 and July 7, disaster preparation workshops were held at four local schools: Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School, Kwong Tai Middle School (branch campus), Primary School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School, and Escola Dom João Paulino. Led by a Macau Red Cross representative, the sessions covered home disaster readiness, evacuation procedures, reliable information sources, disaster response, post-disaster relief, and lessons learned from past events.
The workshops encouraged students to share what they learned with their families, multiplying the educational impact. Since expanding to schools in 2024, the programme has reached 19 institutions across Areia Preta, Patane, Fai Chi Kei, Ilha Verde, Toi San, and Taipa, with plans to extend to more neighbourhoods in the future.
In a new development this year, the programme introduced a First Aid and Disaster Preparation Workshop exclusively for Sands China team members, alongside the distribution of emergency kits on property. A Macau Red Cross representative delivered practical guidance on essential first aid techniques, common local disaster risks, preparedness measures for offices and households, emergency contact channels, and official information sources. The workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ safety awareness both at work and in their daily lives, further embedding a culture of readiness within the organisation.
