Students at an international school in Hong Kong’s Sha Tau Kok border town had a fun-filled and fulfilling December as they turned festivities into opportunities to learn and contribute to charity.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) of International College Hong Kong held a candy gram sale and carnival in the run-up to Christmas to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual campaign organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
Marking its 35th anniversary, OSC has raised HK$353 million to support the Hong Kong community through 323 charitable projects since its launch in 1988. A total of 15 projects are being funded this year.
The SRC, an entity representing students at the school, plans and runs activities and events that foster togetherness as well as community and school spirit. The team is composed of pupils from a variety of grades.
Operation Santa Claus: Teaching Hong Kong children how to give back to those in need
During the candy gram sale that ran in late November and early December, school students could buy a Christmas card for HK$5 and write in it a message for another pupil. The SRC would stick a candy cane on it before delivering it to the recipient.
Enlivened with music performances, the Christmas carnival on December 2 featured booth games and lucky draws.
Proceeds from both events totalling more than HK$21,000 were donated to OSC.
“The main objective was simply for the students to have fun and of course to raise money for OSC,” said Phoebe Wong, the school’s SRC tutor and music teacher.
The school had also partnered with OSC in 2017, 2018 and 2021, she said.
Students queue to take part in game to pin the nose on Rudolph during International College Hong Kong’s Christmas carnival. Photo: Handout
“OSC has given the students a great cause and motivation to hold events. The students in the SRC have gained invaluable experience in planning and holding such big events. They also had fun and enjoyed the events a lot,” Wong said.
SRC president Karim Chong Ka-yin said contributing to charity was a reason for him to take part in organising the carnival. “I decided to participate because I really wanted to give the school that ‘Christmassy’ feel while also being able to support many charities,” said the Year 12 student.
Reeve Ng Ka-ming, an SRC member, said the candy gram sale offered good training in salesmanship and agility.
“My main goal was to sell as many candy grams as possible,” said the Year Nine student, who also helped at the carnival by playing Santa Claus. “I also learned the importance of communication during the carnival.”
For more information on this year’s beneficiaries, please click here.
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