The annual ‘Operation Santa Claus’ (OSC) campaign, organised jointly by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the South China Morning Post (SCMP), has raised more than HK$383 million for a variety of charities in Hong Kong since its establishment in 1988. To sustain the efforts and further help the needy in the community, OSC launched this year’s campaign today (12 Nov) at ArtisTree, an art space in Quarry Bay. The Ambassadors of OSC 2024, Hong Kong wheelchair badminton athlete Daniel Chan Ho-yuen and singer Jay Fung Wan-him were invited to kick start the campaign with the representatives of RTHK and SCMP, inviting the public to donate and support eleven local beneficiaries to develop their projects benefiting children and youths, the community, the elderly, the environment and sustainability, medical services, as well as individuals with disabilities or in mental recovery (see Appendix).
The officiating guests Acting Director of Broadcasting Christine Wai Yee-yan, General Counsel and Company Secretary of SCMP Paul Wong, and OSC 2024 Ambassadors Jay Fung as well as Daniel Chan, kicked off the launch ceremony on a stage filled with the spirit of heroism. It symbolises that everyone can be a hero of goodwill each and every day. A series of citywide fundraising projects will kick off this month, spreading love and cheer to those in need. Charity representatives and donor organization members attended the event, showing their support for OSC’s mission.
In line with this year’s theme "Everyday Heroes", Ambassador Jay Fung joined singers Cloud Wan and Feanna Wong on stage, encouraging the public to extend love and warmth to those in need, embodying the spirit of unity and care that defines superheroes. Additionally, Ambassador Daniel Chan shared his inspirational story about how he overcame various challenges with perseverance to reach the world-class sports podium. The performance by The Moving Drums also showcased the incredible strength of generosity through their music.
This year, OSC is collaborating with HKTTF.com to host the inaugural Charity Table Tennis Tournament in December 2024. In addition to featuring exciting matches, the event encourages more people to participate in sports and public service activities. To promote the spirit of caring in students from a young age, OSC is once again organising the School Charity Fundraising and Fun4Funds Challenge, engaging schools in a citywide fundraising campaign for those in need. Meanwhile, a variety of exciting fundraising activities organised by OSC donors and supporters will take place throughout November and December, blending charity with entertainment and inspiring everyone to become heroes of goodwill.
With an aim to encourage participation, this year’s OSC will honour its most outstanding supporters at the end of the campaign with a variety of special awards, including Top Corporate Fundraiser, Top School Fundraiser, Most Creative Fundraiser, and Most Innovative School Award. The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of OSC in early 2025.
The launch ceremony of OSC was hosted by RTHK Radio 3 presenter Alyson HAU. The event was broadcast live on the Facebook pages of ‘RTHK Radio 3 Hong Kong’ (facebook.com/opsantahk) and ‘Operation Santa Claus HK 愛心聖誕大行動’ (facebook.com/opsantahk).
