Louis Koo is not only an award-winning actor, he is also known for his charitable and philanthropic side. When the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out in China, the Hongkong star reportedly donated S$2.6 million to the Wuhan Benevolent General Association, and also rolled up his sleeves to help distribute masks and lunch bentos to the underprivileged.

His peers and colleagues in showbiz were also not forgotten. With TV and movie productions halted in Hongkong, many are struggling to make ends meet.

Louis, who is the President of the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild (HKPAG), started the Hong Kong Film Workers Epidemic Support Programme to raise funds to provide financial assistance to those in entertainment. It has reportedly raised HK$39mil (S$7mil) since its launch on Apr 27.

Those who received a cash aid of HK$9,000 (S$1,600) on June 3 took to social media to thank Louis, praising him for acting faster than the Hongkong government.

Wrote veteran actress Lana Wong: “Who says actors are heartless? Today, Bonnie Ngai, Chui Bo Fung and I went to the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild to collect our financial aid. We each received HK$9,000. Words cannot express how grateful we are. Louis Koo, we love you!”

Actor Evergreen Mak, who shared a photo of his cheque on Instagram, also thanked the HKPAG for its support for those in need.

According to Hongkong reports, even though the government has disbursed two rounds of aid under the Anti-epidemic Fund, help has not reached those in the entertainment industry.

In addition to taking care of his peers, Louis is a good boss too. When operations at his high-end Cantonese restaurant, Ming, were suspended due to the coronavirus, the 49-year-old assured his staff that their jobs are safe and that no one will need to take unpaid leave.

Photos: Louis Koo/Evergreen Mak/Instagram, Lana Wong/Facebook