| FORTRESS Inspiring Smart Community cares about poverty
30 notebook computers donated to celebrate Fortress' 30th anniversary
Hong Kong (19 October 2006)
Since its establishment 30 years ago, FORTRESS, Hong Kong's leading consumer electronics and electrical appliances retailer, has continuously offered consumers the most valuable shopping offers, the best all-round customer service and the most exciting shopping experience. To mark its most recent milestone, FORTRESS is giving back to society by sharing its joy with the disadvantaged in our local community. Riding on the beginning of the new school year and the its brand philosophy of 'Inspiring Smart Living', FORTRESS is donating 30 notebook computers to the Hans Anderson Club (HAC), offering a vital opportunity for needy children to learn and be inspired with the help of the latest technology.
Statistics from the Hong Kong Information Technology Department in 2005 show that 30% of local families cannot afford to buy a home PC and that more than 35% of families are not connected to the Internet. With this in mind, FORTRESS was inspired to donate notebook computers valued at more than $300,000 to the Hans Anderson Club to benefit students and equip them with the latest information technology to help them in their studies.
Mr Christian Nothhaft, Managing Director of FORTRESS attended the 'Inspiring Smart Community' celebration and remarked, ''Inspiring Smart Living' is the FORTRESS Brand Philosophy. We wish to bring new enjoyment and excitement to customers by introducing the latest digital products. As this year is our 30th anniversary, we wanted to offer these same opportunities for disadvantaged children through our computer donation campaign. We hope that this donation will help children make use of computers for fun and inspire their learning experience. This is a great way for Fortress to give back to society.'
Ms. May Wong, Executive Director of the Hans Andersen Club commented at today's event that, 'Hans Andersen Club is devoted to provide various services to the needy in our community. A major focus of Hong Kong primary and secondary education is knowledge in using computers for project studies, online assignments, online assessments, school intranet communication, teaching materials and so forth, not to mention the subject of computer studies. Computers can be a bridge for students to link with learning and building interpersonal relationships. However, resources in our schools and communities are scarce and most students have to rely on a home personal computer. Hans Andersen Club is currently serving 1500 families, whose average monthly income is HK$10,000 or below, of these 60% cannot afford a personal computer at home. Thus parents and children are deprived of the chance to access computers and gain knowledge in information technology. Thanks to FORTRESS' donation of 30 notebook computers, we can help address the needs of these parents and children, who can now learn together.'
At today's event, renowned actor Raymond Lam was named FORTRESS' charity ambassador and helped deliver the 30 notebook computers to HAC. Lam also taught the 30 attending children on how to use computer drawing software to create Halloween greeting cards. Lam said, 'I use my computer for work, email, leisure and to keep in touch with friends. However, this is the first time for me to teach children how to use computers. I get enormous satisfaction seeing the lovely greeting cards created by the kids under my guidance!'
The computer donation event is FORTRESS' first community program this year. FORTRESS will continue its brand philosophy of caring for the community and addressing the needs of the public through cutting edge technology products.
About Hans Anderson Club
Established in 1963, Hans Andersen Club's ambition is to advance its concern for and focus on the needs of children and youth in society. Currently, HAC operates 5 centres: the Diana Boyd Wilson Centre at Wang Tau Hom Estate, the Chuk Yuen Centre at Chuk Yuen North Estate, the Tai O Centre at Lung Tin Estate, the Lamma Island Centre at Tai Wan New Village, and the newly established Storyland. A variety of services such as tutoring, counselling, uniformed group activities, support programmes for newly-arrived immigrant families, training workshops for parents, and social services to local schools are offered.
About FORTRESS
Founded in 1975, Fortress is a member of the A.S. Watson Group (ASW), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited. Today Fortress has grown to over 50 retail outlets and employs over 1,000 staff. Over the past quarter-century, Fortress has earned the
loyalty of Hong Kong consumers and received numerous customer service awards, which further establish its reputable brand image.
Fortress continuously innovates and introduces exciting new shopping experiences to customers. The New Fortress concept launched in 2003 encompasses the re-design of all Fortress outlets along three major store formats: Fortress World, Fortress Digital and Fortress Vision; each designed to exceed customer expectations and better serve the needs of Hong Kong shoppers and visiting tourists.
In 2004, Fortress introduced its 'Inspiring Smart Living' brand campaign which reinforced Fortress' commitment to delivering an inspirational shopping experience for digital products. In July 2005, revolutionized its website with more powerful functions, richer content and extensive product and technology information to help consumers stay connected with the fast-changing digital world. Innovative marketing initiatives like these saw Fortress awarded the 2005 WebAward Entry by the Web Marketing Association (WMA) and the HKMA/TVB Award for Marketing Excellence. From new brand communications to operations enhancement, Fortress is making tomorrowˇ¦s dream of smart living today's reality for people in Hong Kong.
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Issued by Octagon Greater China Limited on behalf of FORTRESS.
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