“Santa Claus is coming to town!” Apart from awaiting presents from “Santa Claus”, we should also extend our love and support to the less fortunate ones during Christmas. One of Hong Kong’s biggest annual fundraising campaigns – Operation Santa Claus (OSC), jointly organised by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and South China Morning Post (SCMP), has raised over HK$260 million and benefited more than 250 different charities in the past 29 years. A launch ceremony for “Operation Santa Claus 2017”, themed as “Changing Lives for Good”, was held today (13 November) at Hong Kong Maritime Museum to celebrate its 30th anniversary. 14 good causes that will benefit from this year’s community-wide charity event were also introduced. 

 

       In conjunction with the pearl anniversary of OSC, the stage is decorated in the theme of ocean. Honorary Patron, Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung was invited to be the guest of honour for “Operation Santa Claus 2017” Launch Ceremony. Besides Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, other officiating guests, including Director of Broadcasting LEUNG Ka-wing, Chief Executive Officer of SCMP Gary LIU, OSC 2017 Ambassador Gin LEE, and Museum Director of Hong Kong Maritime Museum Richard WESLEY, jointly kicked off the campaign by lighting up the big pearl that symbolises bliss, putting forward the message of “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. This marked the beginning of a series of fundraising events that will be held throughout November and December. The Ceremony also featured several performances by Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club, DJ JUNK!, as well as “Giving Voices” which is a choir formed by major OSC corporate donors. 

 

       Established in 1988 with the aim of connecting the local community to charities with the help of the city’s most respected media organisations, OSC is one of Hong Kong’s most beloved charity efforts. This year, 14 charities in four distinct areas have been selected to receive OSC donations. They are serving the causes of children & youth, elderly, community, and medical services (see attached *).

 

       This year, OSC will once again be saluting its most outstanding supporters with special awards in various areas, namely “Top Corporate Fundraiser Award”, “Top School Fundraiser Award”, “Most Creative Fundraiser Award” and “Most Creative School Award”.The award list will be announced during the closing ceremony of OSC in January 2018. For more information about the campaign, donation methods, fundraising ideas, and to show your support, please visit OSC websites (rthk.hk/osc2017or osc.scmp.com).

       “Operation Santa Claus 2017” Launch Ceremony was hosted by Alyson HAU, and was broadcast live on RTHK Radio 3 (AM567, FM97.9 Happy Valley, Jardine’s Lookout, Parkview Corner, AM1584/FM106.8 HK South, FM107.8 Tseung Kwan O & Tin Shui Wai), as well as on “Operation Santa Claus HK 愛心聖誕大行動” Facebook page. Event highlights are also available on OSC websites at a later stage.