ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH
Introduction to Operation Breakthrough by the Executive Director
As the Executive Director of Operation Breakthrough, please let me first welcome you to our website and thank you for your interest. Operation Breakthrough has been in existence since 1996 when Police officers in Tuen Muen District became concerned at the rise in juvenile crime. As a result they began a series of activities which have gradually evolved into what we have today; a charity focusing on introducing sports and related activities, together with positive interaction with role models, to disadvantaged teenagers and first time offenders. In doing this we are supported by police volunteers and multiple sponsors. When added to the positive media coverage we have received as well as community support, we now have several hundred youngsters under our various programmes. Details of these programmes can be found in other sections of this website.
Over recent years we have found that many sections of the Hong Kong business community are equally concerned about issues with Hong Kong's youth and have been extremely generous in terms of financial assistance and general advice. As a result we have been able to take Operation Breakthrough from an ad-hoc organisation to a limited company with charitable status. Whereas we owe a lot to many organisations and individuals, particular thanks must be given to the Hong Kong Police, Outward Bound, The Hong Kong Rugby Union, the British Chamber of Commerce, the Laureus World Sports Foundation, Standard Chartered Bank, Social Welfare Department, the Community Chest, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and our legal advisers Blank Rome.
Funding also comes from many other organisations and individuals too numerous to list here. Nevertheless our sincerest thanks go to everyone who has given in the past. We also organise our own fund raising events such as charity dinners primarily around boxing.
I am sure that you will find this website interesting and informative and we welcome enquiries about our activities. Any donations may be forwarded to 'Breakthrough (Juvenile Development) Ltd', c/o (P.O.Box 73992, Kowloon Central Post Office, Hong Kong). Receipts will be issued.
Mike Dowie OBE QPM CPM
Executive Director, Operation Breakthrough