MORE than 200 'Santa Clauses' yesterday took part in futures and options trading at the Hong Kong Futures Exchange. They brought along Christmas gifts for Hong Kong's needy children. This time, however, the presents were not gift-wrapped toys or chocolates, but money for Operation Santa Claus. The appeal conducted by RTHK Radio 3 and the South China Morning Post this year benefits the Society for the Protection of Children, which provides support and services to prevent children being left home alone. The Santa Clauses were, in fact, Hong Kong Futures Exchange traders. Yesterday, traders arriving at work on the fifth-floor of the Asian Pacific Finance Tower were stopped by female 'Santas' and asked to make donations by buying a Santa hat. Marketing Director of Hong Kong Futures Exchange, Vincent Wong Chi-wai, said traders paid $10 for the privilege of wearing the hats. One trader, Damien Narozniak, said he was delighted with the Christmas atmosphere inside the trading hall. 'Although I personally hope the index options go down, we wish the charity fund keeps going up so that the children get better care,' he said.
