Operation Santa Claus: Hong Kong's HandsOn team connects with charities so you can give something back this Christmas

For well-heeled, high-flying Hongkongers, the thought that there are people in the city living in abject poverty might barely cross their minds. A gulf exists between the SAR's rich and poor communities, but the growing popularity of volunteering is helping bridge the gap.

This is according to Caroline Sprod, executive director for the Hong Kong team of HandsOn, a global initiative which connects charities with companies wanting to give back to their community by enabling employees to volunteer their time and money.

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This year, HandsOn is teaming up for the first time with Operation Santa Claus, an annual fundraiser jointly held by the South China Morning Post and RTHK offering volunteer opportunities to those wanting to give back this Christmas.

"On the face of it, Hong Kong can look like a rich place, but some people are really struggling with basic needs," said Sprod, who specialises in corporate social responsibility and helps arrange visits to elderly homes, among other NGO projects.

This year those wishing to support the 22 beneficiaries of Operation Santa Claus across Hong Kong and the mainland will be able to play a direct role in helping the needy by volunteering, as well as by donating funds.

"We want to give people a taste of volunteering, trying to make it accessible," said Sprod, adding that participants in one-off volunteering events often found themselves getting involved in more long-term volunteering programmes as a result.