The Good Citizen Award recognizes and rewards ordinary Hong Kong citizens who have assisted the Police in combating crime. Since its inception in 1973, HKGCC has presented a cash reward and certificate to reward the citizens who have gone above and beyond for the community.
Over the years, over 4,500 citizens have been commended for their bravery in combating crime, making Hong Kong one of the safest places to live in and do business. People from all walks of life have been recognized for their efforts, from pick-pocketing to fraud to preventing murder.
As the award is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, your contributions to thank these good citizens is of the utmost importance and will also ensure that this very meaningful and worthy award can continue to run for many more years to come.
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Back in 1973, crime in Hong Kong was rampant, and the public was growing increasingly worried about their safety. To tackle the problem, the Government formed the Fight Violent Crime Committee (now Fight Crime Committee) in March 1973 to promote the fight crime message.
On May 23, 1973, Jack Cater, the-then Secretary for Information, and Chairman of the committee, invited the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce to administer a Good Citizen Award to encourage the public to stand up against crime. Realizing how important safety and stability was to our society, and the public's well- being, the Chamber gladly took up the invitation.
Backed by strong support from the business sector, an initial fund of $736,400 ($4.3 million in today's money) was set up with donations from members and the public. Money donated was then used to present brave citizens who had helped the Police arrest criminals with an instant cash reward.
The Good Citizen Award has served Hong Kong for five decades, and to mark this anniversary, the Chamber has decided to replenish the fund and hope we can again count on the support of businesses to thank good citizens for combating crime in all its forms. By saying no to crime and injustice, Hong Kong citizens have made our city one of the safest metropolises in the world.
HKGCC Members have played a crucial role in ensuring
the success of the Good Citizen Award for the past
50 years.The award was set up as part of the first Fight Crime Campaign,funded by donations from members and the community in order to provide an immediate reward to citizens who helped the Police arrest criminals.
In the early years, the awardees who were nominated by the Police would receive notification within a few days to visit the Chamber to receive a certificate and cheque presented by the then chairman, committee members, or CEO. In the late 1980s, the decision was taken to turn the presentations into a larger-scale award.
The Chamber would like to sincerely thank all our donors, especially those who have contributed repeatedly to this award, for their generous donations.
