Hong Kong hotel puts on a festival feast for dozens of disadvantaged children
Christmas buffet held as part of Operation Santa Claus the annual charity campaign organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK
Some 70 disadvantaged children from charitable group Po Leung Kuk were given a rare Christmas treat last week.
They indulged in a Christmas buffet to celebrate the festive season at L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre, with the added bonus of a great view of the surrounding Tsuen Wan neighbourhood from the glass function room on the hotel’s 41st floor.
The children were offered a lip-smacking selection of sweet treats, including chocolate cake, pudding, ice cream, in addition to a whole range of Chinese and Western dishes.
The xiaolongbao, Chinese steamed meat buns, went like hot cakes – one little girl boasted of eating five pieces while her friend ate two more than her.
Balloon twisting and magic performances topped off an exciting day.
L’hotel director George Kuk said staff had been planning and coordinating the Christmas party for the children since August.
“That is the whole fun of it. We want to see the kids’ faces brighten up, everyone is happy, that is what we want to see,” Kuk said.
He said this was just the beginning of their effort to entertain and bring happiness to the youngsters.
“They are little kids and our next generation, they are our future. It’s them doing our job next,” he said. “They deserve to be treated nicely and I want to see more happy faces, not only at Christmas.”
Kuk, together with L’hotel managing director Nicholas Yim and executive vice-president Sylvia Chung, kicked off a ceremony on the stage during the party to unveil the hotel’s campaign to sell small potted plants until the end of December to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus this year.
L’hotel financial controller Moses Ling said they would take it a step further.
Barbies, Minions, Christmas Trees and superheroes battle on the squash courts in Hong Kong’s colourful Wing Ding Tournament for Operation Santa Claus
“Right now we are running the donation sales at our hotel and we also put up a donation box to encourage people to contribute,” he said. “And finally, we will top up the funds to HK$150,000 if the donations fall short.”
Vice-president and head of sales Joe Choy said staff from several departments had been mobilised to raise funds.
“My main role is to attract more people to stay at our hotel so my staff can get the opportunity to learn how to sell, how to convince the guests to make some donations.”
Choy praised Operation Santa Claus as a unique campaign that provided the hotel with a proper channel for charity work for the community, particularly for children.
