The business community generously supports Hong Kong's annual Christmas appeal
	A fun day at Ocean Park helped raise a record total for Operation Santa Claus 2006

Big hearted Hongkongers are renowned for digging deep to help others less fortunate, and at this time of the year all thoughts turn to Operation Santa Claus.

Since the annual Christmas appeal was launched in 1988, donors have given more than US$13.4 million in cash, goods and services, including US$1.2 million for tsunami victims in 2004.

With Hong Kong's economy still basking in boom times, this year's appeal could well be the most successful ever.

Operation Santa Claus is organised by the leading English language newspaper, South China Morning Post and Radio Television Hong Kong. Its aim is to raise funds and awareness for Hong Kong charities over the winter season.

United effort

Project Director Sheila Chan said that individuals, international brandnames, SMEs and multinational companies alike all generously get behind the campaign.

"All through December, corporations, clubs and individual donors put on a series of creative activities to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC)," Ms Chan said. "These activities are publicised extensively through the South China Morning Post and Radio 3. They not only highlight the community's sense of sharing and giving, but also contribute much festive fun and laughter to our city.

"The campaign's schools component fosters creativity and teamwork among Hong Kong's children and young people, not only for raising funds, but for inspiring students with a heightened sense of empathy for society's less fortunate."

In its first year 1988, Operation Santa Claus raised US$13,000. By 2006, the annual proceeds had swelled to more than US$2 million, which included US$385,000 from Cathay Pacific Airways, the largest single donation in the campaign's history.

Over the years, the campaign has supported hundreds of worthy causes, supporting countless people in myriad ways. With so much vibrancy and goodwill in the air in Hong Kong, Ms Chan is positive that the 2007 appeal will bring in strong support from the community.

Loyal donors

"Major donors which have supported us for many years, include Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Mindset (Jardine Matheson Ltd), UBS, Credit Suisse, Pacific Coffee and Swire," Ms Chan said.

"Our many outstanding individual contributors include Brian Crockford, a Microsoft employee, who with the help of his family and friends organises the Five-a-Side Football Tournament to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus. This year will be their 10th year of supporting our campaign, and they are targeting to raise US$128,000 for OSC 2007.

"Celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, we will try our best to raise funds for 18 beneficiary charities. We hope the Hong Kong community will again give their generous support to Operation Santa Claus and help make a difference for the needy ones in our community."
 
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Operation Santa Claus (OSC)