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The Operation Santa Claus closing ceremony, with (from left) Peony Ho, Evan Li, David Wallis, Vincent Lee, Post editor-in-chief Tammy Tam, Mary Lam, Yen Lee, Rebecca Marans and Grace Yen. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong KongSociety

Operation Santa Claus: 2023 campaign wraps up after raising HK$14.9 million to improve lives of 11,000 Hongkongers

  • Six organisations honoured for their fundraising efforts at closing ceremony of two-month campaign under theme of ‘Magic Moments’
  • Celebrating its 36th anniversary, fundraising drive is joint operation between South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK
Hong Kong society
Jimmy Chow
Why you can trust SCMP
Annual fundraising drive Operation Santa Claus (OSC) raised HK$14.9 million (US$1.9 million) in the last two months to improve the lives of more than 11,000 Hongkongers through various charitable groups.

The initiative, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK, marked its 36th anniversary by helping 16 charitable organisations.

“We’re grateful that OSC made a strong comeback in 2023 after the pandemic. With two media organisations joining forces, it provides a great platform for the generous spirit of Hong Kong to shine through,” said Vincent Lee Hin-wah, acting deputy director of broadcasting at RTHK.

“In line with this year’s theme of ‘Magic Moments’, we brought joy and warmth to those in need in Hong Kong and made an impact on their lives,” Lee said at the closing ceremony of the campaign on Wednesday.

Attendees gather for a group photo at the closing ceremony for this year’s campaign. Photo: Jonathan Wong

During the ceremony, RTHK, the Post, as well as representatives from donors and beneficiaries jointly announced that HK$14.9 million had been raised.

The money will be distributed among 16 beneficiaries to improve the lives of more than 11,000 individuals across the city, according to the organisers.

Among those receiving the funds this year are organisations that promote the welfare of children and youth, support the local community, preserve the environment, provide healthcare services, assist the elderly, and empower individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

Tammy Tam, editor-in-chief of the Post, said: “For the past 36 years, Operation Santa Claus has been spreading love and care, supporting the needy community, creating remarkable social impact.

“We would like to extend our profound gratitude to all our donors this year who generously contributed to the success of the 36th OSC, including corporations, organisations, schools and individuals.”

Hong Kong’s Shaw Foundation teams up with Operation Santa Claus for charity drive

Six organisations were honoured for their fundraising efforts.

Morgan Stanley was named the Top Corporate Fundraiser for the eighth consecutive year, while DSC International School was the Top School Fundraiser.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort was named the Most Creative Corporate Fundraiser, with its donation of six exclusive handcrafted Duffy and LinaBell plush toys, and all proceeds from sales of its Holiday Wishes Charity Postcards going to OSC.
Meanwhile, the Korean International School’s efforts in gathering parents, teachers and students to celebrate diversity among multiple nationalities earned it the title of Most Creative School Fundraiser.
Swire Properties received the esteemed Best Santa Helper Award, in recognition of its dedication in organising the signature White Christmas Street Fair since 2013.
HKT, in its first collaboration with OSC, joined forces with Swire Properties at the White Christmas Street Fair to offer gifts in the form of a claw machine. The initiative had earned them the New Santa Helper Award.

During his speech, David Wallis, Morgan Stanley’s head of Asia Pacific Prime Brokerage Sales and chair of the Hong Kong Philanthropy Committee, expressed his gratitude to OSC for uniting their colleagues for a common goal of doing good and providing an excellent platform to make giving back easier.

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Cindy Tsang, chief executive of the Children Chiropractic Foundation, also conveyed her appreciation and gratitude on behalf of all beneficiaries this year.

She said OSC had provided the foundation with a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the issues related to spinal nervous system problems and their impact on children’s growth.

Since its inception in 1988, OSC has raised more than HK$383 million to support the Hong Kong community through 353 charitable projects.

For more information on this year’s beneficiaries, please click here.
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