Operation Santa Claus raises record HK$18.8 million

Generous Hongkongers and companies have dug deeper for the yearly fundraiser and the money will benefit 18 charitable organisations

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Operation Santa Claus' quest to raise a record amount for charity in its 25th anniversary year falls into place with help from Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee, wife of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, at a ceremony at the Grand Hyatt yesterday. Leung was given the honour of inserting the final figure in a display confirming that the South China Morning Post and broadcaster RTHK's annual charity drive had raised almost HK$18.8 million. Photo: May Tse

Published: 12:00am, 23 Jan 2013Updated: 4:28am, 23 Jan 2013

Hongkongers have once again dug deep for the Operation Santa Claus campaign - and helped celebrate its 25th anniversary in style, raising a record-high HK$18.8 million for the needy.

From corporate high fliers to schoolchildren, participants have enjoyed plenty of laughs along the way too - some have even shared the joy face-to-face with campaign beneficiaries.

"Hong Kong has always been an example of caring and generosity. I'm sure we'll always keep this marvellous virtue," said officiating guest Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun at a ceremony to mark the end of the campaign at the Grand Hyatt hotel yesterday.

"Operation Santa Claus is a successful initiative of displaying love. It is our duty to care for others, donate what we can, and even sacrifice what we would have wanted for ourselves."

The campaign is organised by the and RTHK. chief executive Robin Hu said it was close to the newspaper's heart: "It is all about doing things right, doing it with love - and accurately. This year's participation was brilliant."

Bryan Curtis, head of English programming at RTHK, said it was a successful combination of different people coming together to raise funds - and the two media organisations telling their stories to inspire donations.

The campaign has raised HK$188 million since inception - through the generous support of corporations, organisations, schools and individuals - and supported 176 charity projects.