Operation Santa Claus raises record HK$21.3 million for Hong Kong, mainland Chinese charities
Executive Council convenor Lam Woon-kwong says non-governmental organisations always spend big on social welfare
Revellers celebrated a new Operation Santa Claus fundraising record amid candy-coloured rides and fake snow at the charity drive’s carnival-like closing ceremony last night.
With HK$ 21.3 million raised over the Christmas period, the drive jointly held by the South China Morning Post and RTHK was its most successful since its inception 28 years ago.
READ MORE: OSC 2015 Beneficiaries
The previous record was almost HK$21.1 million set in 2013.
“One of the very special characteristics of Hong Kong is how the government always spends a small part on social welfare and the NGOs a big part.” said Executive Council convenor Lam Woon-kwong as he announced the grand total. “Operation Santa Claus is one of the longest running charity drives,” he added.
US Consul General Clifford Hart echoed this sentiment, calling China’s long philanthopic history commendable. He added that the hard work in Operation Santa Claus had “all come together and that the fundraisers should be proud”.
Reaching out to 22 charities across Hong Kong and the mainland, including youth groups that offer sports lessons to the underprivileged and support for the elderly, this year’s drive culminated in the closing event at the AIA Carnival overlooking the harbour.
Donors commended for their generous contributions included the Discovery Mind Education Organisation, which earned the accolade of top school donor, alongside UBS which raised more than HK$4.2 million to become“Top Corporate Fundraiser” for the third year in a row.
Yuen Long Public Secondary School was presented with the “Most Creative School Fundraiser” for its efforts in raising HK$13,400.
The “Most Creative Fundraiser Award” went to Kowloon Shangri-la Hong Kong, which organised the “Jimmy Choo shoe design event”, raising nearly HK$108,000.
Carrying the theme “small change, big change,”Operation Santa Claus supported NGOs working in the areas of children and youth, the elderly, mental and physical disabilities and community and medical services.
Among the organisations benefitting are the KELY Group, which works to ensure at-risk young Hong Kong people stay away from drugs, Sailability Hong Kong, which enables the disabled to experience the joy of yachting, and Art in Hospital, which encourages patients to take up art.
