The Hong Kong Observatory has again been awarded the "Caring Organisation" in 2007/08 under the "Caring Organisation Scheme".  This is the third consecutive year that the Observatory receives the award since its inception in 2005/06.  The "Caring Organisation Scheme" is organized by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.  It aims to draw together voluntary efforts, encourage mutual care, cultivate positive relationship, facilitate integration of marginal groups and minimize social distress through promotion of direct involvement from government departments, statutory organisations, professional bodies, education institutions, etc with a view to building caring community spirit and cultivating corporate citizenship.  The Hong Kong Observatory is awarded the "Caring Organisation" in recognition of its achievements in supporting employee volunteering through the HKO Volunteers, providing a family-friendly environment for employees through a series of family-oriented policies and activities, offering employment and vocational training opportunities to the vulnerable groups, promoting awareness and initiatives on environmental protection, and encouraging donation in cash and in kind to social service organisations.