Operation Santa Claus launched in Hong Kong to bring care to ‘every corner of the city’

Operation Santa Claus (OSC), one of Hong Kong’s most enduring annual fundraising campaigns, has been launched, with organisers aiming to raise money for 13 local charities this year to “bring care and hope to every corner of the city”.

During the launch ceremony on Tuesday, co-organisers RTHK and the South China Morning Post said they would continue the campaign’s decades-long mission of uniting Hong Kong’s communities to support those most in need.

The 13 projects selected to receive funding this year will focus on key areas such as health and mental well-being, youth education and development, women’s empowerment and inclusion.

Held at the public broadcaster’s office in Kowloon Tong, the ceremony brought together NGO representatives, corporate sponsors and community partners for an evening celebrating Hong Kong people’s generosity.

RTHK’s director of broadcasting Angelina Kwan Yuen-yee and SCMP publisher Tammy Tam launched the campaign by turning keys to unlock a chest – a symbolic gesture inviting the public to unlock their own spirit of giving.

“Year after year, people across our city have given their time, their energy and their support. That consistency is what gives Operation Santa Claus its strong reputation in town,” Kwan said.

“When people trust a campaign like Operation Santa Claus, they keep coming back. And they do come back – not only the large supporters, but the volunteers and members of the public too, who give their time willingly and find their own ways to help.”

Tam added: “Operation Santa Claus is, of course, a fundraising campaign, but for me it is something quieter and deeper – a promise that this city makes to itself year after year: that we will look out for one another.

“This city’s generosity has grown with each passing year, reaching hundreds of charitable projects and tens of thousands of lives.

“Last year, your generosity reached new heights … Our deepest gratitude also goes to every donor. Whether you gave a little or a lot, you made this campaign what it is.”

David Wallis, head of Asia-Pacific Prime Brokerage Sales and chair of the Regional Philanthropy Committee at Morgan Stanley, one of the largest corporate donors in OSC’s history, said the bank was marking its 30th season of giving to Operation Santa Claus, “a milestone that we’re incredibly proud of.”

“Every contribution, large or small, really turns generosity into meaningful support for people across Hong Kong. The projects we support create opportunities, strengthen communities and help people long after this season is over. We would like to think that is one of the real legacies of giving back. So tonight, we encourage everyone to be part of this season of giving.”

The ceremony featured a musical performance by singer Miriam Ma, joined by young talent Yuet Ng and Yat Ng. The performance expressed how the smallest acts of kindness can inspire an entire community.

The projects to be funded this year will bring “care and hope to every corner of the city”, according to OSC.

One project will focus on helping low-income parents build resilience and strengthen bonds with their children through nature therapy.

Two projects will focus on youth, with one helping ethnically diverse young adults develop leadership skills and another providing youngsters from underprivileged families with immersive theatre experiences.

Still others will help children with disabilities build resilience, reduce mental health stigma among ethnic minority women and girls, and enable ethnically diverse university students to guide secondary school pupils with similar backgrounds.

Domestic workers will receive support, such as health screenings, and employers will be guided on how to eliminate recruitment debt for migrant workers.

Refugees will be given certified vocational training, job placement and legal aid, as well as sports and educational programmes, to build resilience, self-sufficiency and dignity.

Community gatherings with free health screenings will also be held in various neighbourhoods to promote healthy habits and early cancer detection.

Since its inception in 1988, OSC has raised over HK$415 million and supported more than 380 charitable projects across Hong Kong, benefiting more than 100,000 people.