Businesses are lending a helping hand to residents affected by the deadly fire in Tai Po as well as rescue workers, offering assistance such as free food and temporary shelter.

Three branches of McDonald's in Tai Po will offer free food until Saturday, while four Tam Jai Sam Gor shops in the district will provide free food on Thursday and Friday.

Yata said it would provide supplies including pillows, blankets, biscuits and drinks to temporary shelters.

AS Watson Group said it has delivered nearly 20,000 items to temporary shelters in the area.

Five Watsons stores and five ParknShop supermarkets in Tai Po have set up support counters during opening hours, providing supplies such as hot water, heat packs and charging services, the company added.

Similarly, a free charging service is also provided by 12 Circle K stores in Tai Po.

The Community Chest said it would establish a HK$50 million fund and earmark all donations from this Sunday’s Hong Kong & Kowloon Walk for Millions to support families affected by the fire.

Oxfam said it has cancelled the Trailwalker event originally scheduled for Friday, adding that all donations raised would be used to help affected.

Sino Group is providing free accommodation in 160 hotel rooms at the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel and Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong.

The Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, established by the group, is also donating HK$20 million for emergency relief.

The Li Ka Shing Foundation and Lee Shau Kee Foundation are each donating HK$30 million, while the K. Wah Group said the company and its chairman, Francis Lui, are donating HK$10 million between them.

Pets belonging to affected residents are also being cared for. N24 Community Veterinary Hospital, Harvest Veterinary Oncology Centre and CityU Veterinary Medical Centre have all announced they are offering free veterinary consultations.