Students at a Yuen Long school gained real-world marketing savvy as they transformed a merry charity funfair into a powerful lesson.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church Yao Dao Secondary School playground buzzed with excitement on December 16 as pupils hustled behind food booths, touting popcorn, candyfloss and other treats. Proceeds were donated to the OSC School Fun4Funds Challenge, part of the annual Operation Santa Claus (OSC) fundraising initiative held by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
The funfair, part of the school’s English Speaking Week, also featured games that fostered English language skills and instilled the spirit of giving back.
“I realised that charity work also needs promotion,” said Form Four student Allie Poon Wai-yan, vice-president of the school’s English Association, which helped run the fair. She added that she learned to be resourceful with marketing strategies.
Hebe Lee Pui-hei, president of the English Association, said the experience helped her build confidence.
“Despite my introverted personality, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and engage more in conversations with teachers and students,” she said.
It was the school’s second year partnering with OSC.
“We have a lot of Christian values that we want to impart to our students ... Through this activity, we want to teach them to care more about the community, especially this year with the [fire in Tai Po],” said Ivan Luk Ming-kei, the school’s English panel head.
In addition to the school’s English teachers and English Association students, event organisers included teachers and students from subjects such as food and nutrition, physical education and Chinese, as well as the cooking club and barista course.
“More people are willing to help and contribute,” said Keith Yan Tsz-him, the English teacher who led the fair’s organisation. “Different parties volunteered to support the cause.”
OSC, jointly established by the SCMP and public broadcaster RTHK in 1988, is committed to providing vital community support, particularly in times of disaster.
In addition to its annual fundraising drive, it is leading an emergency appeal to meet the specific needs of residents affected by the Tai Po fire. All proceeds will support this year’s 13 OSC‑funded charity projects and community partners involved in fire relief efforts.
Learn more about how to donate by visiting the OSC website.
