Operation Santa Claus evolves into Hong Kong change engine
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Operation Santa Claus has expanded far beyond its original Christmas fundraising role, with former participants and organisers describing it as a driver of longer-term social change in Hong Kong. Founded by the South China Morning Post and RTHK in 1988, the campaign has raised more than HK$415 million, funded 382 charitable projects and helped over 100,000 people.
Key Points
- Operation Santa Claus was established by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK in 1988 after earlier RTHK fundraising efforts in the 1960s.
- Former RTHK Radio 3 head Tony Baynes recalled a 1981 stunt when Captain Hamish McNinch descended from a helicopter onto the Star Ferry building dressed as Santa.
- Baynes said money from that 1981 event went to the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital at Sandy Bay.
- Former senior manager Rachel Chow Chiu-yan said charities once treated OSC grants as seed money, but successful pilot schemes are now being replicated.
- Recent activities included rooftop farming, mochi-making with children with special needs, and a charity hash run, while this year’s themes include poverty, health and inclusivity.
Why It Matters
The campaign’s history shows how a seasonal appeal can become a recurring funding and partnership platform for Hong Kong NGOs, especially when pilot projects can later be scaled up. For donors and charities, that shifts the focus from one-off festive giving to longer-term community impact.