Bankers make song and dance about giving
Annual talent show brings out the best in Barclays staff, who voted for their favourites
They may work with money all day, but the city's bankers are still keen to spend their free time raising cash to help the needy - and have some fun in the process.
A total of 350 staff from Barclays filled Grappa's Cellar in Central on December 12 to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus through the bank's annual charity talent show and auction.
It was off with the suits, ties and formal business wear and into costume as the Barclays crew transformed themselves into singers, dancers, musicians and creative art performers. After the show, fellow colleagues voted for their favourite performers.
"The event has become part of our company culture," said Robert Morrice, chairman and chief executive of the bank's Asia-Pacific operations. "Everyone from the company has a part to play in showing their talents, ranging from executives to juniors, and they all enjoy being part of this annual fun event."
Ticket sales and other activities on the night generated funds for Operation Santa Claus, a charitable campaign jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK. Barclays has been one of its major donors over the past nine years.
The bank launched online auctions earlier this month and these became both live and silent auctions during the evening.
The company-wide effort over the past few weeks raised HK$708,800 for Operation Santa, which Barclays supports in addition to its own local charitable programmes.