Cash for questions in charity trivia night

The staff of a law firm might have been able to answer complex legal questions in a quiz, but posers like "How many stairs are there in this office?" and "How much does a tall latte at the coffee shop downstairs cost?" left them stumped.

The unusual questions were part of the annual charity quiz night at Clifford Chance law firm, an event that celebrates the start of the Christmas season. This year, the third time the quiz has been held, saw a record turnout of about 90 participants.

"People seem to like it a lot. They're lawyers, they like competition. They really do try hard," said Peter Charlton, Asia Pacific managing partner and quiz master.

The participants competed in 10 teams and were given 60 questions set by the law firm's trainees - ranging from current affairs and knowledge of the company to James Bond movies.

Before the game, Charlton, in his Santa Claus hat, reminded everyone of the rules: "BlackBerries and mobile phones off, brain power only."

And this law was enforced by Rocky the "policeman." Rocky Mui, an associate with the firm, went around with a bucket, blew his whistle at any cheating and fined people on the spot.

The fines and other funds raised that night will go to Operation Santa Claus (OSC), the charity appeal jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK. This year, OSC identified deserving projects from 18 charitable organizations that will receive donations.

"If we don't get enough fines, we create reasons to fine them," Charlton said.

Though they faced being fined without reason the entire night, participants said they enjoyed hanging out with colleagues over pizza and wine.

"It's a fun evening in the office. The quiz master is always amusing, and it's all for a good cause," said Bhauna Lalchandani, a practice manager with the litigation group. "OSC is something everyone in the office is familiar with. It's a great way to do charity."

HOW YOU CAN GIVE

• Donate online by credit card at osc.scmp.com

• Donate at an ATM or at any HSBC branch (account no: 502-676299-001 for SCMP Charities Ltd - Operation Santa Claus)

• You can donate with a cheque payable to "SCMP Charities Ltd - Operation Santa Claus" and mail it to: Operation Santa Claus, Morning Post Centre, 22 Dai Fat Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, New Territories,

• Donations of HK$100 or more are tax-deductible. If you would like a tax receipt, please send the completed donation form and original bank receipt, with your name, address and phone number, to the above address. Please call 2680 8159 or e-mail osc@scmp.com with any inquiries, or visit us online at osc.scmp.com