Source:
https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1110102/barclays-raises-hk775500-operation-santa-claus
Hong Kong

Barclays raises HK$775,500 for Operation Santa Claus

Bank's staff generate HK$775,500 through talent shows and auctions, bidding on colleagues' performances and villa holidays

Christy Choi
Christy Choi

Updated: 4:27am, 22 Dec, 2012

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Barclays staff glammed up for a boogie night at Grappa's Cellar in Central to raise money for charity. Photo: SCMP
You have to hand it to them - Barclays has got talent. The bank's staff boogied, sang and called out bids at their annual charity talent show and auction, in a generous display of support for Operation Santa Claus.

Hundreds of bank employees filled the halls at Grappa's Cellar restaurant in Central, on Thursday last week. Taking out their wallets, they bid for colleagues to perform, as well as for holidays, wine, food and other goodies up for grabs at the live auction.

"We want to be a part of the broader community, and Operation Santa Claus always has that feel about it. It's hard to find anything so far-reaching," said Robert A Morrice, Chairman and Chief Executive of the bank's Asia-Pacific division, who was auctioneer for the night.

The company-wide effort over the past few weeks has raised HK$775,500 for the charity, beating last year's record of HK$667,271. Barclays has been one of the biggest fundraisers for Operation Santa Claus over the past eight years.

"It's demonstrated the will of our colleagues to show their talents and raise money for Operation Santa Claus, even in this very tough environment we've had," said Clare Williams, director of corporate communications.

In a company-wide silent auction over the past few weeks, employees have bid on 50 to 60 items.

The more extravagant items, such as villa holidays, were on the table for the live auction, when Morrice teased and cajoled the crowd into bidding.

"I like to drive the competition, and I will bid on an item myself to push the price up," said Morrice.

This year's OSC donations will go to help children, the elderly, victims of domestic violence and those with mental and physical disabilities.

Williams said: "There are 6,000 plus charities in Hong Kong, and OSC gives the opportunity to find charities you've never heard of. It gives staff the chance to know there are other charities out there they can support personally and perhaps get involved with."

 

HOW YOU CAN GIVE

  • 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 [email protected] with any inquiries, or visit us online at osc.scmp.com