Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

A delegation led by Chairman Hsieh Yi-si of Kiwanis International's Taipei Chapter arrived at city hall to meet with Mayor Hau Lung-bin on November 30. The two discussed topics ranging from social services to welfare policies.
The mayor thanked the members of Kiwanis International for helping children and disadvantaged people. He also invited them to collaborate with the city government to help make Taipei a warm and friendly city.
He pointed out that due to the global financial crisis, the funding for charity and welfare has suffered greatly. For the city government, the budget for social welfare has also taken a hit from a decrease in funds allocated by the central government.
To ensure the effective use of every penny, the city government has imposed provisions on subsidies for senior citizen’s healthcare that would disqualify the rich. He explained that this is a necessary measure to ensure that coverage remains available for those from lower income groups.
Regarding the upcoming 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo, Hsieh said the local Kiwanis will propose plans to help promote the expo and train volunteers at the group’s Asia-Pacific meeting next year.
Kiwanis International, a global volunteer organization, boasts 9,473 members and 316 chapter in Taiwan.