For Immediate Release
To celebrate the 157th anniversary of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), the Chamber will host one of its biggest annual events, Free Ride Day, on 29 November. For the whole day, everyone in Hong Kong will be able to travel on the trams and two cross-harbour Star Ferry routes for free.
Free Ride Day first took place in 2011 to mark HKGCC’s 150th Anniversary. It was so well received by the public that the Chamber decided to make it an annual celebration with the support of our members. Since then, around 2 million people have benefited from free trips.
“Free Ride Day showcases the business sector’s commitment to engage with and give back to the community,” said HKGCC Chairman Aron Harilela. “Our members – from global corporations to start-ups and individuals – have come together to make this event possible by pooling resources to cover the fares of the public.”
To thank our members who are sponsoring the event, the Chamber is organizing a photo shoot before and after the press conference where they can be featured in a mock-up of the cover of our monthly magazine, The Bulletin.
“The ‘Stars of Free Ride Day’ photo session gives our members the opportunity to become cover stars of The Bulletin,” said Harilela. “It provides them with a unique souvenir of the event and is a fun way for HKGCC to say thanks to our sponsors for all their support.”
Besides enjoying free travel on 29 November, members of the public can also participate by taking part in HKGCC’s Facebook game -- “Call for Poets in 18 Districts” -- for the chance to win a range of prizes.
Chamber CEO Shirley Yuen encouraged Hong Kong people to take part in this Free Ride Day competition.
“This year, we are again collaborating with Ctrip to offer free hotel stays and buffet vouchers,” Yuen said. “People simply need to like our Facebook page and write a poem about their experiences on Hong Kong’s trams or Star Ferry. The writers of the 11 best poems will each win a prize. So far, we have received poems from more than 100 poets. Don’t miss the deadline at midnight on 29 November!”
Yuen also expressed her thanks to the sponsors of this year’s event. “We are extremely grateful to the more than 100 HKGCC members whose generosity has made Free Ride Day possible,” she said.
She also thanked media partners Cable TV and Hong Kong Open TV under Hong Kong Cable Enterprises Limited, Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited, and Sing Tao Daily, Headline Daily and The Standard under the Sing Tao Group for their assistance in publicizing the event and encouraging the public to make the most of Free Ride Day.
Harilela said: “The theme of Free Ride Day is ‘Building a Prosperous Hong Kong with All Members of Society’ and is our way of showing the business community’s support for everyone in Hong Kong. HKGCC will continue to work together with our members and the public to build a prosperous global city for all.”
Ten trams carrying advertisements are already running across Hong Kong Island and will continue until 7 December. On 29 November, everyone in Hong Kong is warmly invited to ride for free on any tram running between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, and also on the Star Ferry sailing between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai/Central.
Photo caption:
HKGCC Chairman Aron Harilela and CEO Shirley Yuen, together with representatives of member companies sponsoring this year’s Free Ride Day, pose for a group photo at a press conference on 19 November to announce the campaign.
Media inquiries: Please contact Mr Caleb Cheung at 2823 1297 / [email protected]