Operation Santa Claus: Italian fair in Hong Kong draws crowds, raises HK$560,000 for charity
- More than 100 volunteers took part in ‘Il Mercatino di Iwa’ charity fair organised by Italian Women’s Association
- ‘Working with Operation Santa Claus is a source of inspiration for our association, given the similar nature of our work,’ association president Federica Betteto says
Shoppers flocked to the biggest Italian charity fair in Hong Kong on a recent Saturday, snapping up goods and indulging in treats.
More than 100 volunteers took part in the “Il Mercatino di Iwa” charity fair, organised by the Italian Women’s Association (IWA), on December 2 at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital at Sandy Bay.
The fair raised HK$560,000 (US$71,666) for charitable organisations and campaigns including Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual fundraising drive held by the Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
“The proceeds will enable IWA to sponsor projects for different charities located in Hong Kong, mainland China and Cambodia, on top of the projects or charities selected by [OSC],” association president Federica Betteto said.
She added all unsold items were distributed to charities at the end of the event.
