Creativity is in full flower when Rothschild's employees turn their minds to raising money for Operation Santa Claus at their Christmas party.
In past years, they have auctioned their services when, for example, a managing director offered a five-course champagne dinner for four at his luxurious flat. Another bought breakfast for colleagues for 10 days.
This year the private bank's staff held a Christmas limbo contest, raising funds by sponsoring colleagues to compete. The event was the highlight of a company masquerade party at the Jockey Club in Happy Valley. Staff from the Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai offices all sported Venetian-style face masks.
In the limbo contest each level of difficulty required fresh sponsorship, and contestants could not advance without raising a certain amount in donations.
Catherine Yien, Rothschild's chief operating officer, said: 'Christmas is not only a time to enjoy the holidays and festivities with friends and family, but more importantly it is a time of giving to those in need by being a major donor to Operating Santa Claus. We know our donations will be put to good use.
'Most of use are focused on work for most of the year. I think it is a good time to remind our staff that it's important to give back to society.'
This is the fifth year Rothschild has participated in the Operation Santa fund-raising appeal, jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK.