Operation Santa Claus: Tin Ka Ping Secondary School students give to charity while practising English, having fun
- Pupils from the school in Fanling say they enjoyed being able to help people in need while also learning how to organise an event from scratch
- Operation Santa Claus (OSC), annual campaign organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, has raised HK$353 million to support charitable projects since launching in 1988
Students from Tin Ka Ping Secondary School enjoy the events at the Operation Santa Claus carnival. Photo: HandoutMerriment and laughter filled a recent carnival at a Fanling school where students were practising English, having a good time and contributing to the community all at once.
Tin Ka Ping Secondary School held the Operation Santa Claus carnival, where English was the designated language of communication, from December 7 to 9 last year. The event supported Operation Santa Claus (OSC), the annual charity fundraising drive organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
“I found the carnival meaningful. While having fun with other schoolmates, we had the opportunity to contribute to charity,” said Andy Luo Yang, a Form Four student and vice-chairperson of the school’s English Society, which organised the event together with the school’s English Ambassadors.
The event featured a variety of booths offering home-made snacks, souvenirs, games, festive photo props, live music as well as onstage singing and song-dedication opportunities. Students and teachers took part in booth activities and the net proceeds were donated to OSC.
Resolve, an NGO making Hong Kong more inclusive for marginalised groups
Marking its 35th anniversary, OSC has raised HK$353 million to support the Hong Kong community through 323 charitable projects since its launch in 1988. A total of 15 projects are being funded this year.
It was the school’s third year supporting OSC. The carnival was also held in 2021, although on a smaller scale in view of pandemic restrictions. The school first partnered with OSC in 2017.
“The Operation Santa Claus Carnival is our school’s signature English-language activity. We hope that it can encourage students to contribute to the community while enjoying Christmas celebrations together. It is a meaningful activity,” said Jane Tsang Po-yu, the teacher in charge of the school’s English Ambassadors.
Luo relished the experience. “However tired I was, I found it rewarding to help others. Through organising the carnival, I have realised that even a tiny donation could mean a lot. Not only could it help the vulnerable, but it could also cheer up volunteers like me. This is one of the best memories I have ever had,” he said.
The event also helped nurture its student organisers.
“The carnival gave students a chance to create something from scratch. Furthermore, they have learned to solve problems, which will boost their confidence when they face bigger challenges later in life,” said Emily Cheng Tsun-yi, the teacher in charge of the English Society.
Christie Ho Hoi-ting, a Form Five student and chairperson of the English Society, acknowledged having become more outgoing and mature as a result of organising the event with other members.
“We interacted a lot and experienced precious moments together. All popcorn and cookies were sold out at the food booth. All photo sheets were used up at the photo booth. We are proud of ourselves,” she said.
For more information on this year’s beneficiaries, please click here.