Several gaming operators announced a number of donations and initiatives to mitigate the damage caused by Typhoon Hato to residents and employees.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment announced on Friday it would create a MOP30 million (US$3.7 million) cash relief fund to support employees, residents and restoration efforts.
The gaming operator also halted the construction of its new property in Cotai, Morpheus, relocating 2,000 construction workers to assist in government-led repairs, while a group of 2,500 volunteer employees will also assist in cleaning debris and distributing water to residents.
As with most gaming operators in Cotai, Melco also announced that its properties would conserve energy, with the usually brightly-lit areas remaining at minimum lighting in the nights after the typhoon.
According to CEM, gaming operators were asked to conserve energy until the energy supply from mainland China was restored, with no mandate to do so after the supply was reinstated.
“Melco has been working closely with the Government since the storm passed through the city earlier this week, including implementing power conservation measures throughout all properties,” the Chairman and CEO of Melco, Lawrence Ho announced.
Meanwhile, MGM Resorts International, MGM China Holdings Limited and its Executive Director, Pansy Ho, also announced a MOP30 million relief fund to repair the city.
“Our company has experienced and overcome similar challenges in the past and I pledge the resources of the entire MGM family to work for a complete recovery,” the Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, Jim Murren, stated.
Supporting employees
In a letter issued yesterday by Galaxy, Dr. Lui Che Woo, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited, announced a ‘MOP60 million contribution including MOP30 million from the GEG Foundation plus a MOP30 million matching contribution from the Lui family to support the relief efforts of the people of Macau as well as our GEG team members during this challenging and stressful period including materials and resources of K Wah Construction Materials.’
‘The community is rallying around each other and together we will all move forward with a very bright future,’ he added in the letter.
Galaxy Entertainment Group also announced that with the company’s team members having faced many challenges at home due to personal and family emergencies, and difficulties to meet their work schedules, the group would provide a Special Typhoon Allowance of MOP1,000 for all Operations Team Members, in addition to the current typhoon allowance of MOP100 and transportation allowance of MOP100.
A paid absence for employees who couldn’t make it to work between August 23 and August 25 would also be provided, with no deductions made to their salaries.
“While GEG regrets that not everything was handled perfectly as there were emergency situations and many difficulties when Hato was hitting us strong, the company is also trying the best in order to provide assistance to its Team Members,” the company release stated.
The group also gathered employees wanting to volunteer to provide water and food to residents in heavily damaged areas of the city.
