(22 April 2013 – Hong Kong) New World Department Store China Limited (“NWDS” or the “Company”; Hong Kong stock code: 825), one of the largest owners and operators of department stores in the PRC, has always been devoted to philanthropy and caring the community; therefore, NWDS Volunteer Team was established this April to unite colleagues to spread our caring spirit to the community. “NWDS Tutoring Program” is the first-ever nationwide NWDS volunteer campaign to provide tutorial assistance to under-resourced children in a small group setting in order to help resolve difficulties they encountered in their studies, carrying an ultimate goal to create a caring society.

To promote sustainable development, New World Department Store Volunteer Steering Committee was formed this April and subsequently established the NWDS Volunteer Team. In less than a month’s time, more than 1,500 employees across the nation have signed up to be a volunteer. The service scope of NWDS Volunteer Team mainly includes education support, caring for the elderly, helping the underprivileged, environmental protection, and assisting the disabled etc. With adherence to our vision of “social responsibility, innovation, people-oriented, pursuit of excellence”, the Company encourages colleagues to participate in volunteer works to create a harmonious society together.

Many grass-root families live a hand-to-mouth existence and encounter great difficulties in tutoring their children. In order to relieve their pressure, NWDS Volunteer Team launches its first nationwide volunteer activity, “NWDS Tutoring Program”, starting from 18 April together with various local non-profit organizations, community organizations and schools, such as Xi'an Children's Welfare Institute, R & F Ocean Community of Guanyinqiao Street in Chongqing, Private Associated Primary School in Shanghai Pudong New Area, and Hong Kong Christian Action etc. 40 NWDS stores, coupled with Hong Kong and Shanghai office, will give tutorial classes to under-resourced children weekly during the examination period from April to June. More than 500 colleagues have responded to the call of the Company and joined the tutor alliance, and the program targets to benefit approximately 1,000 schoolchildren.

“NWDS Tutoring Program” is the Company’s first medium- to long-term nationwide education support program with an objective to raise children’s interest in learning and to develop a positive learning and living attitude, further motivating them for self-improvement. The program will last for 10 weeks and is the Company’s first sustainable community project. Through organizing more non one-off activities, the Company hopes to help under-resourced children in a sustainable way, generating more long term and effective results.

Ms. Rebecca Woo, Director of Corporate Affairs and Chairman of Sustainability Steering Committee of NWDS said, “NWDS always has close ties with the community. Our stores have initiated to carry out volunteer work frequently and have received positive response from staff and the community. In view of this, NWDS Volunteer Team was established this April to help shape a better society by providing employees a platform to give back to the community while building a stronger team spirit through working toward a common goal. “NWDS Tutoring Program” is the Company’s first volunteer activity with a unified theme across the country. The recruitment result is very encouraging that even though the program requires bigger service commitment, it does not hinder the enthusiasm of over 500 colleagues from contributing to nurture the next generation. As the pioneer in department store and retail industry, we also want to take this opportunity to raise public awareness for under-resourced children and advocate to make a greater contribution back to society in a collective effort.”

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