More than 10,000 Christmas cards never got sent this year after Gammon Construction decided to donate its $100,000 season's greetings budget to Operation Santa Claus.
Instead of sending out corporate Christmas cards, Gammon chose to repeat last year's decision to do something for a good cause.
'It not only helps conserve the environment, but also saves the cost and manpower involved in designing, printing and mailing the cards,' said Gammon group managing director Martin Hadaway.
'We are therefore choosing to use the money in a more constructive way, and we are sure our customers and business friends will understand our intentions.' He said it would be more effective for the company to send Christmas greetings through a charity campaign.
Operation Santa Claus, organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK Radio 3, hopes to raise $5 million for the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association.
'Making a donation for the drive is particularly meaningful to us. Today's children are tomorrow's adults; the future will be in their hands. We believe a happy, healthy childhood is essential for a full and productive life, in the same way that sound foundations are a vital first step in every successful construction project.' Gammon's 2,800 full-time staff take part in fund-raising events regularly. This year, they were in walkathons at Tsing Ma Bridge and Western Harbour Crossing to raise funds for the Community Chest.
