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Carrie Lee

Global financial services firm Morgan Stanley has smashed its own fundraising record for an annual charity drive in Hong Kong for the fourth straight year.
The long-time Operation Santa Claus (OSC) supporter collected HK$5.8 million (US$746,000) for this year’s campaign, beating its previous record of HK$5.5 million in 2023.
The company last year also became the initiative’s top corporate fundraiser for eight years in a row.
OSC is the annual fundraising drive established by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
“Operation Santa Claus is an excellent platform and does a fantastic job, and Morgan Stanley is proud to have supported it for the last 28 years,” said Gokul Laroia, Morgan Stanley’s CEO of Asia.

The money raised by the company this year brought the total raised for OSC over the years to HK$71.8 million, he added.
This year’s fundraising effort comprised three events, including a three-day “Managing Director’s Charity Auction” that saw senior leaders offer nearly 100 unique experiences and items for employees to bid for, including holidays, concert tickets and dinner with top executives.
Laroia’s contribution to the auction was for three staff members to join him for an afternoon of golf, followed by drinks.
He said the experience, aside from helping to raise funds, provided him with an opportunity to engage with colleagues outside the work setting.
The company also held a charity bake auction, where select employees showcased their skills by creating delicious cakes that were put up for bidding.

The last of the events, the “Director’s Choir”, took place on December 16, with employees pledging donations to encourage senior executives to sing.
“Supporting OSC each December has become a tradition for us. It provides much-needed funds for people and communities in need, and the campaign allows us to come together to give back,” Laroia said.
OSC has raised HK$383 million for 353 charitable projects since its launch in 1988. This year, 11 worthy causes are set to receive funds from the initiative.
Laroia said this year’s OSC tagline, “#EveryoneCanBeASantaClaus”, resonated strongly with his company.
“Giving back is one of Morgan Stanley’s core values, and we are committed to supporting and strengthening the communities in which we live and work,” he said.
“At Morgan Stanley, we dedicate resources to create meaningful and diverse opportunities for our employees to give back – whether through giving their time, skills or money. No act of kindness is too small – anyone can get involved and make a positive difference in our community.”

The funds raised by Morgan Stanley this year will be donated to three OSC-supported projects targeting young people.
The charity-run schemes include Kids4Kids’ youth development programmes for students from low-resourced backgrounds, the Love 21 Foundation’s dietary and nutritional support for the neurodiverse community, and Mind HK’s Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT) early-intervention programme, which identifies and treats young people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
“Our global philanthropy focus is on children and young people’s well-being and education,” Laroia said.
For more information on this year’s OSC beneficiaries, please click here.


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Hong Kong society

Operation Santa Claus: Morgan Stanley smashes fundraising record for 4th year

Morgan Stanley’s fundraising efforts this year included a “Director’s Choir”, where employees raised money to encourage top executives to sing. Photo: Wong Kin Fung

Gokul Laroia (centre), Morgan Stanley’s CEO of Asia, has said this year’s OSC tagline, “#EveryoneCanBeASantaClaus”, has resonated strongly with his company. Photo: Wong Kin Fung

Underprivileged students get into festive spirit with cupcake decorations

Twenty students have taken part in a Christmas-themed workshop at Nina Hotel. Photo: Handout

Nina Hospitality managing director Simon Manning (left). Photo: Handout

Photo: SCMP

Hong Kong tennis star wins treble as players ace charity efforts

Maggie Ng claims ladies’ singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles. Photo: Handout

The final total of 183 aces raised HK$45,750. Photo: Handout

News

Hong Kong

Society

The long-time OSC supporter collects HK$5.8 million for this year’s campaign, beating its previous record of HK$5.5 million in 2023


The long-time OSC supporter collects HK$5.8 million for this year’s campaign, beating its previous record of HK$5.5 million in 2023.


Operation Santa Claus