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(Macao, December 26, 2012) – The Sands China Care Ambassadors (SCCA) have been getting into the holiday spirit lately, with three community activities held in December, part of the volunteer group’s ongoing mission to contribute to community-building in Macao.

First, on December 6, a group of 10 ambassadors made visits to the homes of service users of the Richmond Fellowship of Macau. The non-profit welfare organisation provides self-care training and vocational training, along with social and recreational activities, including a wide range of community support services, to individuals recovering from mental health problems.

“I especially enjoy it when our SCCA activities involve home visits, since it gives you a chance to connect with families in their own environment,” said one volunteer. “For them to have welcomed you into their home, and for you to be able to spread some happiness by offering service – it’s quite a rewarding experience.”

Then on December 11, the SCCA volunteers hosted a group of 50 students from boarding school Escola de S Jose Ka-Ho for a visit to two educational exhibitions – Titanic The Exhibition and The Human Bodies Exhibition at CotaiExpo™ –followed by a lagoon-side viewing of the spectacular 3D light and sound show “The Magic of the Seasons,” one of the world’s largest architectural 3D video mapping projects ever created, part of the ongoing Winter in Venice extravaganza at The Venetian^® Macao. The Ambassadors also treated each student to a snack box and a special Christmas gift.

Finally, on December 15, a group of 20 SCCA volunteers brought some of the company’s signature gifts and snacks to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival with members of the Richmond Fellowship of Macau at their community centre, to contribute to the centre’s efforts to enhance the lives of individuals recovering from mental illness and to promote social inclusion. Following some interactive games and a lucky draw, the volunteers and members enjoyed a hot pot meal, giving them a chance to chat while cooking food together.

As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Sands China is a firm believer that all members of society deserve equal opportunities to develop and prosper, and to engage in society on an equal basis with others. To support that commitment, the company regularly contributes to the betterment of the Macao community by actively supporting various local social service organisations, both financially and with volunteer work. With a current membership of 370 volunteers coming together from across all Sands China properties – The Venetian^® Macao, Sands^® Macao, The Plaza™ Macao and Sands^® Cotai Central – the Sands China Care Ambassadors have contributed over 2,700 voluntary hours of community service since the programme was founded in August 2009.