Store pours out a cup of cheer
The Sincere department store wants people to remember Operation Santa Claus for the whole year by offering 1998 calendar mugs as a token of appreciation to donors.
The 20,000 calendar mugs were produced to thank those who donated more than $20, said marketing services manager Lee Chye-lim.
All proceeds would go to Operation Santa Claus, which hopes to raise $5 million for the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association.
Mr Lee said: 'Many office workers bring along their mugs to meetings. I hope the mugs will be helpful for business talks.
'We have deliberately highlighted the Operation Santa logo on the mugs so more people will be fond of using them. If people use the mugs for the whole year, they will remember to take part in the charity activity next year.' Mr Lee said the response to the drive had been unexpectedly encouraging since the campaign started on November 27.
Up to Monday, at least 1,500 mugs had been given away.
'I think the mug is more useful and popular than the environmentally friendly bags we sold at $38 last year,' said Mr Lee.
'Customers can also use the mugs as Christmas gifts.' Mr Lee said he was optimistic the company could raise its target of $200,000 this year.
It collected $100,000 last year by selling 5,000 environmentally friendly bags stuffed with chocolate and discount vouchers.
Shoppers can make donations at Sincere outlets in Central, Shamshuipo, Kowloon City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Argyle Street and Grand Century Place in Mongkok and the Movenpick Marche restaurant on the Peak.
