Operation Santa Claus: 250 people join annual football tournament in Hong Kong to raise funds for charity
- Charity event at Happy Valley Recreation Ground co-hosted by Hong Kong Football Club and Operation Santa Claus
- Five teams representing UBS, Hogan Lovells, Chubb, Hong Kong Football Club and the Post took part in five-a-side tournament
About 250 people, including schoolchildren and corporate executives, took part in an annual tournament hosted by the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) at the Happy Valley Recreation Ground last month.
Co-organised by the HKFC and Operation Santa Claus (OSC), the event on November 19 was part of a month-long charity drive held by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK every year.
Celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, OSC has raised HK$369 million (US$47.2 million) to support the community through 338 charitable projects since 1988.
In an interview with the Post, Mark Grainger, chairman of the HKFC soccer section, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, saying that he believed the sport embodied the unique ability to bring people together and create a sense of unity.
“Playing football together while supporting charitable causes is truly worthwhile,” he said. “Not only does it bring people together, but it also allows us to make a positive impact on the community.”
