TOPPY TOPS UP TOTAL

A successful weekend helped boost the Operation Santa appeal. The online and on-air auctions helped pull in $183,003, taking the total to $1,186,775.

The $39,503 raised in Friday's Internet auction was added to the total, along with a $100,000 pledge from retail chain Toppy after their Toppy Shopping Day last week.

Radio 3's auction of a luxury Philippines holiday yesterday raised $27,000. Many thanks to British Airways and the Philippine Tourist Board for providing the flights and accommodation.

Other items auctioned or raffled on Ralph Pixton's Open Line included meals at the Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental hotels and at Jimmy's Kitchen, a stay at the Sheraton in Langkawi, Malaysia, an original British Hong Kong flag, one year's dry-cleaning at Goodwin's and $1,000 worth of drinks at Carnegies. All that raised just over $20,000.

Anyone heading out of Hong Kong for the Christmas break should look out for collection boxes at Kai Tak. Others can be found at Pacific Coffee, Movieland, Joyce, Toppy, Sincere, Signature and Body Shop.

Operation Santa is a joint appeal by the South China Morning Post and Radio 3. Crossed cheques, made payable to Operation Santa Claus 1997, should be posted to RTHK Radio 3, PO Box 70200, Kowloon. Inquiries: Paul Gordon or Clare Elliott on 2339 6416.