The Correctional Services Department will stage an event at the Cultural Centre Piazza from noon to 2pm Sunday to arouse public awareness of community care for offenders. Admission is free.

Commissioner of Correctional Services Kwok Leung-ming and Society of Rehabilitation & Crime Prevention Executive Committee Chairman Justice Pang Kin-kee will launch the NGO Service Day. Event ambassador, cyclist Hung Chung-yam and event sponsor Cheng Shing-lung will appeal to the public to support offenders' integration into the community as law-abiding citizens.

Entertainment programmes include a marching band display and singing performances. The public are welcome to express care and concern for offenders by writing down words of encouragement on cards distributed at the venue.

More than 200 staff members and volunteers frm 40 non-governmental organisations will deliver the cards to offenders in correctional institutions on the same day.

The NGO staff and volunteers will also offer rehabilitation services to offenders, including religious and counselling services and cultural ventures and recreational projects.

The NGO Service Day will also highlight the importance of such services, which more than 2,000 volunteers from 60 NGOs will provide to offenders.

The department's rehabilitation volunteer group, set up in early 2004, has 256 members and has held more than 490 rehabilitative activities.