OPERATION Santa Claus 1994 officially ends today, but not before a resounding final request: BIG cheques please! A total of $4,234,130 has been deposited in the Operation Santa funds but why stop now? The publicity campaign ends today but the fund's bank account remains open with every cent going to a good cause - disadvantaged children.
So keep those donations pouring in until January 16, when a cheque for the final tally will be presented to this year's beneficiary, the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children.
The theme for Operation Santa 1994 is 'No more home alone'. The charity drive, conducted by RTHK Radio 3 and the South China Morning Post, is raising funds for the society so that underprivileged children get safe day facilities and a caring environment.
Last year's appeal raised $4.4 million, and a late burst of generosity would ensure that figure is bettered in 1994. Funds will go to the society's two main projects - a day care centre at Tai Wo and a creche at Fanling.
The society, one of the territory's oldest and most respected charities, cares for more than 2,000 children who might otherwise be left home alone while both parents work.
Operation Santa Claus organiser, RTHK's Martin Clarke, said people had responded this year with plenty of cheques in the mail, large and small.
'A great many schools and colleges have organised special events, fund-raising activities. There have been office collections, donations from clubs and groups, and they have all helped boost the total,' Mr Clarke said.