Operation Santa Claus: Tai Kwong Hilary College goes all out for 2023 Christmas celebrations
- Students at this school in Tai Po celebrated Christmas with a variety of unique fundraising activities
- The spirit of Christmas was felt throughout the school as the turnout for the fundraiser exceeded expectations
Tai Kwong Hilary College goes all out with the spirit of giving. Photo: HandoutWhile many people spend Christmas exchanging presents with friends and eagerly awaiting gifts from Santa Claus, Tai Kwong Hilary College adds a unique touch to celebrating the festive spirit. At this school, Christmas is all about giving back to the community.
As part of the college’s annual thematic celebration, “Power of Kindness”, it partnered with Operation Santa Claus (OSC) to organise events to raise funds during the holiday season. Christmas held a deeper meaning for these students, providing them with a golden opportunity to spread kindness and embrace the true spirit of the season.
OSC is an annual fundraising campaign co-organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK since 1988. This year, OSC is funding 15 charitable projects for worthy causes.
To support this meaningful initiative, the school organised two different fundraisers. One of them was an expressive musical performance where students came together to appreciate the power of music and dance as forms of artistic expression. Donations for the performance were collected voluntarily, and the turnout exceeded expectations, demonstrating students’ willingness to support this cause.
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To engage even more students in charitable work and service, Jacqueline Chan – the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) Creative, Activity, and Service (CAS) coordinator – organised another fundraising event in conjunction with the music performance.
The CAS team set up a creative donation booth featuring a capsule toy machine, which managed to gather many students. Donors who contributed HK$20 or more could twist the crank of the machine with tokens. Inside the capsule were surprise gifts waiting to be opened by the students.
The donated prizes, mainly consisting of stationery items, were sponsored by the school and TKHC Entrepreneurs, a student-led business association. The booth was a massive success, raising over HK$6,000. Students were clearly excited to donate and show support to the needy communities in Hong Kong.
“The enthusiasm and compassion shown by our students during the Christmas donation drive were truly inspiring,” Chan said.
A group of hardworking students helped prepare the gift capsules and encouraged their fellow schoolmates to engage in this meaningful fundraiser.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others in need,” said IBDP student Alvin Ho.
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Janis Lee Tak-yi, one of the students who actively took part in supporting the fundraiser, expressed that he felt profound fulfilment from being a part of his school’s fundraiser.
“I feel delighted and motivated to participate in different charity events in the future,” he said.
The school’s principal, John Cheung Ngai also expressed his gratitude for getting the opportunity to partner with OSC, stating that supporting fundraisers like this allowed students to utilise their unique talents and unleash their creative potential while also making a meaningful impact on the local community.