Santa Claus teams up with Hong Kong firefighters to deliver an unforgettable Christmas for charity fundraiser beneficiaries
- Firefighters host visitors from Operation Santa Claus beneficiaries at Fire and Ambulance Services Academy, with Kriss Kringle showing up to deliver presents
- Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department also raised more than HK$860,000 as part of its first year of taking part in the OSC fundraising drive
Visitors to Hong Kong’s Fire and Ambulance Services Academy received a delightful surprise when Santa Claus descended a scaffold using a rope during a rescue operation demonstration and came bearing gifts.
The demonstration by the Fire Services Department’s high-angle rescue team was one of the highlights of an academy tour on December 17 by more than 80 special visitors from the Pathways Foundation, Riding for the Disabled Association, Saint Barnabas’ Society and Home, and the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.
The charities are among 15 NGOs this year that are receiving support from Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual fundraising drive by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
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“It is the Fire Services Department’s first year of participation in OSC,” said Angus Wong Chun-yip, the department’s deputy director for operations.
“OSC seeks to help the underprivileged in Hong Kong and serve the community by joining hands with the public. The Fire Services Department is pleased to participate in the campaign this year, hoping to serve the community in other ways in addition to fire fighting and rescue.”
Marking its 35th anniversary this year, OSC has raised HK$353 million (US$45 million) since its launch in 1988 to support the Hong Kong community through 323 charitable projects.
As well as hosting OSC beneficiaries at the academy, the department has raised more than HK$860,000 for the fundraising drive, which included donations from its staff and supporters.
“The Fire Services Department has always aimed to help people out of difficulty. Apart from serving in emergency situations, we also hope to help the underprivileged in everyday life where they need support,” Wong said.
“We have been actively taking part in various charitable activities. We want to set a good example and encourage all sectors of the community to work together for charity.”
The OSC beneficiaries covered a range of important causes and many were less well-known organisations that needed support, he explained.
“Through OSC, we hope that the funds we have raised can be distributed to more organisations and projects, so as to rekindle hope for more people who are in need and improve their lives,” Wong said.
“We also hope the visit will enable the OSC beneficiaries to better understand the department’s work and give them a happy and unforgettable experience at Christmas time.”
Whilst at the academy, visitors witnessed a series of firefighting and rescue demonstrations, including paramedics performing first aid and even a robot battling a blaze. An unstaffed aerial vehicle was also displayed and attendees were also able to spend a little time with Rocky, a search and rescue dog.
The tour also showcased training areas for handling incidents involving aquatic environments, aircraft, traffic and fuel tanks, as well as a simulated railway station.
“As there were children and people with disabilities among the participants, in order to make the event run more smoothly, we specially arranged for the Fire and Ambulance Services Teen Connect group, Fire Safety Ambassadors and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Volunteer Team to provide them with assistance,” Wong said.
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He added that the volunteers had also performed various community services outside of the tour, such as helping elderly people and at care homes.
“Our volunteers also assist in sports activities organised by other parties for people with physical impairments. They help in venue management, venue set-up and liaison work, for example,” Wong said.
