The Hong Kong Police Silver Marching Band performs at the launch of Operation Santa Claus 2018. Photo: Felix Wong
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https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/2173044/operation-santa-claus-charity-drive-kicks-31st-edition-hong Society
Operation Santa Claus charity drive kicks off 31st edition with Hong Kong Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung as guest of honour
- Jointly organised by the Post and RTHK, annual campaign has raised more than HK$275 million for over 260 charities in past 30 years
- Latest edition will raise money for 13 local projects supporting less fortunate
(Front row, from third left) OSC launch ceremony participants – Gary Liu, CEO of the South China Morning Post; Hong Kong Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung; and Leung Ka-wing, RTHK director of broadcasting. Photo: Felix Wong
A food lab providing balanced meals for disabled children and a project enhancing harmony among members of troubled families are among causes that will benefit from this year’s Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual fundraiser.
The charity drive, jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and government broadcaster RTHK, has raised over HK$275 million (US$35 million), counting more than 260 charities as beneficiaries in the past 30 years.
Last year’s bid raised more than HK$15 million for 14 charities.
The current campaign centres on the theme “spread some joy this Christmas”, and will raise money for 13 Hong Kong projects that support the less fortunate.
Honorary patron Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung was the guest of honour on Tuesday night at the launch of the campaign’s 31st instalment.
“Thanks to the unwavering commitment and dedication, OSC has become a cherished Hong Kong institution,” the city’s No 2 official said.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment and dedication, OSC has become a cherished Hong Kong institution
The event at Tai Kwun in Central was broadcast live on Radio 3. Attendees included charity representatives and members of donor organisations.
OSC 2018 ambassadors – singing duo Robynn & Kendy, the Diocesan Girls’ School Choir and the Hong Kong Police Silver Marching Band – were among performers at the launch.
Gary Liu, CEO of the Post, said he was encouraged by donors’ continued passion for serving Hong Kong. “It is truly an honour every year to be part of Operation Santa Claus,” he added.
Leung Ka-Wing, head of broadcasting at RTHK, said OSC was for everyone in the community.
“Community involvement is at the very heart of Operation Santa Claus,” he said.
OSC connects the community to charities through organisers, and since its launch 30 years ago, has become one of Hong Kong’s biggest charity drives.
This year, OSC will again recognise outstanding supporters with special awards in various areas: Top Corporate Fundraiser, Top School Fundraiser, Most Creative Fundraiser and Most Creative School. The awards will be announced at the closing ceremony in January.