Exclusive donations pile up for Operation Santa Claus auction

A private recital by a violinist and cellist and a custom-made chair are among the items going under the hammer at the Operation Santa Claus (OSC) auction, with bidders' last chance to get them coming tomorrow.

To commemorate OSC's 25th anniversary this year, RTHK Radio 3 organised the Santa's Silver Auction, which began last month.

"The idea was to have 25 big-ticket items. We were lucky to get generous support and ended up with more than 25," said Radio 3 presenter Andrew Dembina.

All items were donated, so every dollar spent on them will be donated to Operation Santa Claus' 18 beneficiaries this year.

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra concertmaster Igor Yuzefovich donated the private recital, on an occasion to be chosen by the top bidder.

"Principal cellist Richard Bamping and I are very happy to donate our time and energy to this wonderful cause," he said.

Another donor - founder of GOD lifestyle stores Douglas Young Chi-chiu, a local architect and designer - thought of designing a chair for the auction.

"I have never custom-designed a chair to fit an interior space before. This is a departure for me," he said.

The auction will close on Monday after live bidding that night at Grappa's Cellar in Central. Bids for items can also be placed at www.rthk.hk/osc2012