Community

IWC & the community

Despite the term Corporate Social Responsibility, the word responsibility doesn't really fall into the motivations to do what the IWC has done to support the community over the years. We do what we can because someone else, less fortunate, can always do with a helping hand and they don't always find one in this "mean old world'.

Simon Tam and the team wish they could do more. As a small company, it is easier to help out with time than cash donations, but the personal involvement is very rewarding.

The IWC has been involved with charities where ever and whenever possible. Just some of the organisations and activities we assist with include:

• The Community Chest of Hong Kong - assisting with wine auctions
• Acting as MC and participating in the Heep Hong Society's "Great Chefs of Hong Kong"event
• Macau Hotel School children's wine auctions
• Shanghai "Room to Read"sponsor
• Fundraising of more than HK300,000 for Red Cross Taiwan earthquake appeal.

In addition, Simon is also committed to speaking at universities and technical colleges not just about wine appreciation, but the danger of over indulging. In reality, this is the dark side of the alcohol industry, and Simon is one of the very few that frames the industry for what it is. Glamour, lifestyle and health benefits must remain in the right balance, a seldom recognised point in the sales-driven alcohol industry.

Great Chefs of Hong Kong

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the Heep Hong Society, Simon played host with the most and MC’ed for the 19th Great Chefs of Hong Kong, held on 11 May 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, which saw over 1,000 guests enjoy some truly extravagant food and beverages. Simon thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the event and was inspired by the kids the Heep Hong Society assists!

Macau Idol Charity Dinner

A great event on the Macau fundraising calendar is the Macau Idol Charity Dinner. Organised by the Institute For Tourism Studies (IFT) the event was held at the Institute’s Educational Restaurant. All profits generated are donated to the Action Oasis of the Chinese Educators Association of Macau, a charity fund that provides education opportunities to disadvantaged children in mainland China. Simon Tam’s son, Adriano was proud to support the event, by donating a 3L bottle of Three Palms Merlot, which raised HKD$60,000 when it was auctioned for charity. Eddie also took up the mic once again, MC’ing the auction.

The Heep Hong Society
"Great Chefs of Hong Kong: Cook-off Press Conference"

The Heep Hong Society "Cook-off Press Conference"was held on 23 April, which unveiled the annual fundraising extravaganza - The 18th Great Chefs of Hong Kong.

Simon Tam, along with "Heep Hong Ambassador"Pop Artist Ms Kay Tse, Tomy & Jay of the band J.O.Y., "Yummy ambassador"Mr Wilson Kwok, and a number of great chefs joined hands with the children to participate in a cake-decorating competition.

Guests and children enjoyed a meaningful and fun-filled afternoon.