No snow, but White Christmas Street Fair brings festive cheer to Hong Kong in support of Operation Santa Claus
- Event held by Swire Properties in Quarry Bay transformed street into garden with Christmas flowers made from old materials, including Cathay uniforms
- Annual fair has raised more than HK$7 million for OSC since its inauguration in 2013
Hong Kong might not have treetops glistening with snow, but those dreaming of a white Christmas in the city were still able to enjoy a few merry days at a festive market supporting charity and sustainability – with Santa Claus in action.
The White Christmas Street Fair, held by Swire Properties from December 1 to 4, transformed Tong Chong Street in Quarry Bay into a garden filled with 5,000 upcycled Christmas flowers made from old materials, including Cathay Pacific cabin crew uniforms and Swire Hotels’ bedsheets.
Themed “Bloom & Beyond”, the community bazaar raised money for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual fundraising campaign run by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK. Marking its 35th anniversary this year, OSC has collected HK$353 million (US$45 million) to support the local community through 323 charitable projects since its launch in 1988. Fifteen projects are being funded this year.
The annual Street Fair has raised more than HK$7 million for OSC since its inauguration in 2013.
Swire Properties chairman Guy Bradley said this year’s event held special significance as the company was commemorating its 50th anniversary.
“Throughout these five decades, we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our local communities, through good and bad times – and we’ve all been through some challenges over the last few years,” he said at the opening ceremony on December 1.
“So to be able to celebrate this milestone here tonight, and raise funds for a good cause, is particularly special for us.”
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The Street Fair had become a much-loved, year-end celebration among the Hong Kong community, Swire Properties chief executive Tim Blackburn said.
“Our partnership with OSC began in 2013 and has continued for every White Christmas Street Fair and other activities,” he said. “OSC’s work in supporting charities and NGOs aligns with our commitment and placemaking efforts to build vibrant, sustainable communities. OSC has been providing us with a platform to broaden our support towards lesser-known charities and NGOs.”
Swire had broadened its partnership with OSC through various initiatives, such as hosting a live radio broadcast of the event on RTHK, featuring OSC ambassadors as the bazaar’s star performers, and offering the fair as a platform for OSC’s MBA Challenge, he said.
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Adrian Lee, senior vice-president for marketing and events at the Post, highlighted the importance of cooperation in charity.
“During the Christmas season, we celebrate hope and generosity, to remind everyone it is the season to care, share and give to those less fortunate,” Lee said. “Operation Santa Claus is a platform for collaboration and together, we have built a closely knit support network to champion the spirit of giving. Swire Properties has played an important role.”
The Street Fair was designed and organised by university students from the Swire Properties Placemaking Academy (SPPA) – a six-month apprenticeship programme through which participants put together the event while receiving mentoring and training.
“Joining this charity event means so much to me,” said Nokman Choi Man-nok, one of this year’s SPPA students. “We can actually [raise funds for] Operation Santa Claus with our attractions, so we are really doing something for the community.”
Another SPPA participant, Yuvina Tsoi Wing-sze, said she was touched by the community participation she saw.
“Seeing our visitors smiling and … taking great photos with our Santa Claus, it really makes me quite emotional,” she said. “It’s for the community and made by us.”
