Calling all angels, Maxim's launches fund-raising drive
Hongkongers can have their cake and eat it, too - all while helping Operation Santa Claus.
The Maxim's Group will be donating money to the annual holiday appeal every time a customer purchases one of four specially designated items from December 7 to 22.
The company will donate HK$10 for each roasted whole US turkey sold at m.a.x. concepts restaurants, HK$5 for each cr?me angel cake or chocolate devil cake sold at Maxim's Cakes outlets, and HK$2 for each fresh brew coffee sold at Maxim's MX fast-food outlets.
The Maxim's Group announced its campaign yesterday during a launch at its Simplylife Foodplace eatery in Central's Citibank Plaza.
Michael Wu, chairman and managing director of the Maxim's Group, presented staff with 'thank you' certificates for their previous volunteer efforts and then asked members of the Intellectually Disabled Education and Advocacy League (Ideal) to join him as part of the celebrations.
'Being socially responsible is part of our mission. Maxim's Group has initiated various charitable activities and is proud of our staff's participation and good deeds,' Wu said.
'This is the second year we are participating in this meaningful campaign. Through our 250 participating outlets, we hope to encourage our customers to 'Be an Angel' and join us to support the Operation Santa Claus programme.'
Also in attendance at yesterday's event were Hugh Chiverton, head of RTHK's Radio 3, Deon Lai, director of Operation Santa Claus, and Ideal vice-chairman Chung Chi-wai.
Ideal has been helped by the Maxim's Group in the past, Chung said. The company has donated mooncakes to the group to assist with its fund-raising efforts.
Chung then spoke of Operation Santa Claus, saying his fellow Hongkongers should consider giving to the holiday appeal, which this year benefits not only Ideal but 12 other local beneficiaries. 'I think there are plenty of associations, such as Ideal, that need help,' he said.
Joining Chung yesterday were Ideal programme officer Jakey Yiu Ling-yan, Ideal members Lee Yuet-Yee, 9, and Ho Chun-hei, 11, and the children's mothers. The children, who both have Down's syndrome, donned angel gowns for the event.
Ideal will use funds received by Operation Santa Claus to buy new computers and remodel part of its Nam Cheong Estate centre so intellectually disabled students can run a cybercafe there. The group, which celebrated its 20th anniversary late last month, teaches skills to its members, arranges outings and provides an outlet for parents.
Meanwhile, other companies around the city are also supporting Operation Santa Claus in creative and wonderful ways. As reported yesterday, the Kowloon Shangri-La is assisting the charity drive by selling gingerbread men to be placed on or near its six-metre Christmas tree. The cookies range in size from a small gingerbread man to a 1.5-metre cut-out.
You can help make a difference
How you can give
Donate online by credit card at osc.scmp.com
Donations can be made by ATM or at any HSBC branches: a/c number 502-676299-001 for SCMP CHARITIES LTD - OPERATION SANTA CLAUS
You can donate by cheque, payable to 'SCMP CHARITIES LTD - OPERATION SANTA CLAUS' and mailed to:
Operation Santa Claus, Morning Post Centre,
22 Dai Fat Street,
Tai Po Industrial Estate, New Territories,
Hong Kong.
Donations of HK$100 or more are tax-deductible. If you'd like a tax receipt, please send the completed donation form and original bank receipt, with your name, address and phone number, to the address above
