For a few days each year, students at Shun Tak Catholic English College in Yuen Long take a break from their studies and, basically, have a ball.
They set up games booths and dozens of stalls which provide food and merchandise during lunch hour and after school, but it is not just for fun. They are raising funds for Operation Santa Claus, which donates money to a different charity organisation each year. This year, the proceeds will go to the KELY Support Group.
The school raised more than $32,000 over three days this month.
The money came from proceeds from the stalls and the sponsorship of a student-teacher football match.
Students from Form Two to Form Seven were involved in the carnival. Street-style waffles, maltose crackers and satays made it worthwhile to skip lunch. Lucky draws, basketball games, Polaroid shots and keychain-making grabbed attention. Most walked away with sweets, toys, Christmas decorations and, for fans of the girl duo, Twins stickers.
In its sixth year at Shun Tak, Operation Santa Claus activities are now part of the school tradition. 'Our students see Operation Santa Claus as a big thing because it is a chance to contribute to a worthwhile charity.' Jessica Cheng Wai-chung, head of the students' union, said.
