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Mary Ann Benitez

Fund-raising drive raises more than HK$10,000 for appeal
Lamma Island's main fund-raising event for Operation Santa Claus was nearly a no-go  when its long-time Scottish 'Father Christmas' left for Dubai.
But as islanders are wont to do, Jim Birkett  gamely stepped in as Santa Claus with his four elves - despite  rubber boots that were too big  - and a sleigh made  from a trolley and a rattan chair.
The Santa act was part of the Island Bar's 10th treasure hunt - held this year on December 21 - the highlight of a series of fund-raising events on the island, which has a population of 10,000.
Eleven teams of four people  each took part in a race to find the 'treasure' on a clue-laden trail that took 25 hours to complete.
A team calling itself the Fact Hunt won the Best Named Team award.
Carna Pies nabbed the grand prize and took home some good wines, among other prizes, said Sharon Chandler, co-owner of the  bar - in Yung Shue Wan, Lamma - that organised the event.
A team of children in fancy dress was named the Best Dressed Team and received vouchers from Emily's Ice Cream Parlour.
But the highlight of the hunt has always been Santa, who this year paraded down the island's Main Street,  carried on his sleigh by his four elves and in the company of several children.
Dan Peterson, also a co-owner of the bar, said: 'We are very encouraged with the success of the Treasure Hunt and the events to date.'
Mrs Chandler said the family day raised over HK$4,500, which together with money already raised at other events will 'take us well over halfway to matching last year's total of HK$20,000'.
Organisers are still counting the amount of money raised at the other events, including a Christmas music quiz on November 29, a concert by local band Yung Shue Wan Curs on December 13, a children's music event on December 19, and a carolling performance on Christmas Eve.
The Island Bar will also hold its first  bingo night on January 10.
Mrs Chandler was grateful for the support of many who made the treasure hunt a success, including companies  that donated gifts, as well as Rachel Hodgson for marking the clues, and Amanda Levin and Andy Griff for helping to set the trail.
The sponsors were Best Kebab, Blue Bird Japanese Restaurant,  Cath's Banyan Bay Cafe, Carlsberg,  Curves, Deli Lamma,  Diesels, Emily's Ice Cream Parlour,  Holiday Mood, Lamcombe, Lamma Cricket Club, Limestone Coast Wines, Lung Kong, Pizza Milano,  Stella Artois  and The Waterfront.
Mr Peterson said two people were 'sorely missed' at the event - former Santa Claus John Scade, an engineer, and his wife Louise, a health-care professional, who had moved to Dubai.
Organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, Operation Santa Claus, now in its 21st year, will aid 13 groups.
Part of the funds will also go to the Post's Homes for Hope project to help victims of the Sichuan  earthquake rebuild their homes.



Lamma islanders dig deep, strike gold with treasure hunt