Operation Santa Claus (OSC) continued to make a difference in Hong Kong with its 2019 campaign ‘From Hong Kong with Love’ raising more than HK$15.2 million in donations, providing hope and a bright spark in the new year despite such difficult times.
Aimed at sharing the gift of hope and kindness to brighten the lives of the needy, the annual fundraising campaign coordinated community-wide charity events that supported 13 beneficiaries which continue to contribute to causes that serve children and youth, as well as individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
OSC, which is jointly organised by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 3 and the South China Morning Post (SCMP), also celebrated the successful campaign by announcing four awards to noteworthy schools and corporations for their fundraising efforts. They are:
- Top Corporate Fundraiser - Morgan Stanley
- Most Creative Corporate Fundraiser - Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital
- Top School Fundraiser - Discovery Mind Educational Organisation
- Most Creative School Fundraiser - Shung Tak Catholic English College
This year’s campaign also welcomed new donors including Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Hong Kong Disneyland, the Consulate General of Sweden and ESF Shatin Junior School, contributing to support OSC’s cause. OSC also benefited from the support of its two high-profile ambassadors in Olympic swimmer Stephanie AU and local celebrity Pakho CHAU, who visited Hong Kong Disneyland to promote sales of its charity postcards, as well as the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital’s to participate at its fundraising carnival.
“I couldn't be prouder of our wonderful community and my colleagues and friends at RTHK and the SCMP for the amazing results they have achieved in three short, difficult months. As you're just about to find out Hong Kong's spirit is as strong as ever.” said LEUNG Ka-wing, Director of Broadcasting, RTHK.
Said Gary LIU, SCMP CEO, “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. It gives Mr LEUNG and I great pleasure to announce that we have exceeded our donations target in support of our 13 beneficiaries, whose work is vital to Hong Kong and deserve our attention and contribution. We look forward to many more years of serving our community through OSC - together, we will elevate this city and make a lasting difference.”
由香港電台第三台及南華早報合辦的年度大型籌款活動「愛心聖誕大行動」，今年以「點點愛心，成就香江」為主題，活動共籌得逾1,520萬港元善款，資助13個服務本地社區的慈善項目，繼續用愛帶來正面改變，在新一年與香港共渡時艱。
自1988年起，「愛心聖誕大行動」積極推動社會各界參與行善，並透過傳達愛與希望，照亮弱勢社群的生命。今年活動籌得款項資助本地13個慈善項目，項目服務範疇廣泛，涵蓋兒童及青少年和智障及殘疾人士。
「愛心聖誕大行動」每年頒發多個獎項，以表揚參與團體的鼎力支持和卓越籌款活動構思。今年，「最高籌款大獎（學校）」由弘志教育機構（Discovery Mind Educational Organisation）蟬聯；而天主教崇德英文書院（Shung Tak Catholic English College）則蟬聯「最具創意大獎（學校）」。除學校外，多間企業亦發揮「樂善好施」的精神。「最高籌款大獎（企業）」由摩根士丹利（Morgan Stanley）蟬聯；養和醫院（Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital）則勇奪「最具創意大獎（企業）」。
今年的「愛心聖誕大行動」獲香港交易所、香港迪士尼樂園、瑞典駐港總領事館及英基沙田小學加入成為捐贈團體；另邀得奧運泳手歐鎧淳及藝人周柏豪擔任愛心大使，他們早前分別出席支持香港迪士尼樂園的明信片慈善義賣活動及養和醫院的籌款嘉年華。
廣播處長梁家榮說：「在短短的三個月，社會人士、港台的同事及合辦夥伴南華早報的朋友攜手並肩，共同努力籌備活動及協辦相關愛心項目，能創下此佳績實在不易，我為此感到十分鼓舞。在社會各界的同心協力下，香港面對挑戰只會遇強越強。」
南華早報行政總裁劉可瑞亦表示：「南華早報很榮幸再次與香港電台合辦今年的籌款活動，活動不但圓滿成功，更為13家受惠機構籌得超出目標的善款。這些受惠機構的工作對本港社區十分重要，絕對值得我們的關注及支持。我們期待往後繼續透過『愛心聖誕大行動』，與大家共同為創造更美好的香港出一分力。」
