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.
“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.
