Swire Group – a property, food and beverage business conglomerate – has donated over HK$12 million (US$1.54) to help combat the novel coronavirus epidemic in Hong Kong.

It made the donations through its philanthropic arm – the Swire Group Charitable Trust – to support three projects led by the St James' Settlement and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS).

Swire Group has donated HK$5 million to SJS' FOOD-CO to provide food supplies to the underprivileged via its service partners.

It plans to set up a HK$3 million community fund to sponsor non-profit organizations serving the underprivileged within HKCSS' network in to help fight the virus.

Another donation of over HK$4.8 million was made to HKCSS for distributing hand sanitizers to the underprivileged through HKCSS and its member organizations' existing servicing channels.

With a history of 150 years in Hong Kong, the Swire Group has experienced many challenges along with the Hong Kong community, Tina Chan, head of philanthropy at the Swire Group Charitable Trust, said in a statement. These donations will offer support to the most needy in Hong Kong in the battle against the virus.

Hong Kong has confirmed 53 cases of the coronavirus infection with one death.