Giving is more gratifying than receiving. Over the past 30 years, Hong Kong people have shown their generosity by donating or participating in “Operation Santa Claus” (OSC), one of Hong Kong’s biggest annual fundraising campaigns jointly organised by Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 3 (RTHK) and South China Morning Post (SCMP). The theme for this year is “Changing Lives for Good”. The fundraising campaign, held over the last two months, demonstrated the notable concern and support of the public towards those in need. A total raised of HK$15,154,186 was revealed at the closing ceremony today (16 January) by officiating guests, Director of Broadcasting LEUNG Ka-wing, Chief Executive Officer of South China Morning Post Gary LIU and OSC 2017 Ambassador Gin LEE, and representatives of donors and beneficiaries. 

 

    LEUNG Ka-wing and Gary LIU expressed their sincere thanks to the supportive and generous patrons at the event. A number of outstanding donors received awards during the ceremony. Discovery Mind School was awarded “Top School Fundraiser”. The “Most Creative School Fundraiser” went to International College Hong Kong. Apart from schools, corporations also put in much efforts in initiating creative fundraising ideas for the good cause. Morgan Stanley was recognised as “Top Corporate Fundraiser”, and Clifford Chance attained the “Most Creative Corporate Fundraiser”. As for the newly-established Fun4funds awards, St. Clare’s Girls School attained “Top Fundraiser”, and Shung Tak Catholic English College got the “Most Effective Community Contribution” award. 

 

    The evening got off to a rousing, and very surprising start, as three internationally acclaimed opera singers who had been posing as waiters and serving our guests, suddenly burst into song. The Singing Waiters, led by tenor Tomos Griffiths (who has appeared many times on the stage of Her Majesty’s Theatre London in the lead role of the Phantom of The Opera), treated the crowd to one of the great opera arias “Nessun Dorma” by a renowned Italian opera composer Puccini. Besides, OSC 2017 Ambassador Gin LEE expressed her appreciation towards people’s generosity and willingness to help the ones in need. She also encouraged the public to pass on the love and support among the society. The song “You’ve Got a Friend” that she performed on stage filled the occasion with warmth. 

 

    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 identified to receive OSC donations. They are serving the causes of children & youth, elderly, community, and medical services (see attached*). 

 

    “Operation Santa Claus 2017” Closing Ceremony, hosted by Andrew WORK, was held at Grappa’s Cellar. Photos and video clips of the event will be uploaded on OSC websites (rthk.hk/osc2017 or osc.scmp.com) later.