Bank looks to spread Christmas cheer with toy collection drive for Hong Kong’s underprivileged children
Bank of America Merrill Lynch employees collect more than HK$400,000 worth of toys for donation to beneficiaries of Operation Santa Claus
Christmas is about more than receiving presents, but in an ideal world no child would wake up on December 25 without at least one gift-wrapped toy waiting under the tree.
For the 19th consecutive year, Bank of America Merrill Lynch is working to help underprivileged children in Hong Kong enjoy some Christmas cheer, this year with a toy collection event.
Between November 14 and 25, the bank’s employees gathered more than 5,000 toys for some of the beneficiaries of Operation Santa Claus, the annual festive charity campaign organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK.
Although recently established, the toy drive is gradually becoming a heartfelt company tradition, its organisers said.
The bank’s Asia Pacific chief operating officer and Hong Kong country executive, Richard Yacenda, said both he and his employees felt strongly about giving back to local families who might be struggling financially in the festive season.