Your chance to be Santa Claus
It's time to think about buying gifts for family and friends. Yet there are many children who could do with some extra Christmas cheer - and that's where you come in.
Starbucks Coffee has launched a multi-faceted campaign in conjunction with Operation Santa Claus. One of those facets is that customers can take a wrapped gift of a new toy to their stores. Make sure it's labelled with the age group of the recipient and states whether it is suitable for a boy or girl.
'If the toys or other presents are wrapped before they arrive, then it involves the children in the fun of giving and preparing the gifts,' said Thomas Hahn, general manager for Starbucks Hong Kong.
All children who donate a present will receive a lollipop from Starbucks.
The coffeehouse will pass on the presents to Operation Santa Claus who will then distribute them to the children.
'We need to educate our kids as to why we're sharing with less fortunate kids. It's about teaching family values,' said Martin Lee Man-yin, executive director at Coffee Concepts Hong Kong, which oversees the Starbucks outlets in the city.
The group has also launched a 'Bring your own tumbler' campaign. Take your own tumbler or mug along to Starbucks and they will fill it up with your favourite coffee. For each coffee bought, Starbucks will donate $5 to Operation Santa Claus and $1 to the customer for being environmentally friendly.
Eleanor Morris, Children's Cancer Foundation chairman, was among those at the launch.
