Tantalising aromas wafted through Shung Tak Catholic English College as students gave back to society at a charity food fair.
The fair on December 12, together with an earlier Christmas card sale, supported 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.
“It’s our 31st year of joining Operation Santa Claus. This is a major, major school event and all the students really look forward to participating in it,” said Graham Manchester, the teacher in charge of the school’s OSC activities.
Janice Wu Chee-yan, another teacher in the campaign, said the goals of OSC aligned with the school’s core values.
“Our students are contributing to society and showing that they’re responsible members [of the community],” she said.
The food fair featured more than 30 stalls run mainly by students, as well as parents and teachers.
At the Christmas card sale, students wrote messages for recipients, including victims of the fire and the firefighters who battled the blaze.
Proceeds from both events were donated to OSC and victims of the deadly Tai Po fire through a local charity.
The school arranges for students to get involved with one OSC beneficiary organisation each year. This year, they chose the Love 21 Foundation.
Manchester explained that students now lead the school’s OSC committee, which used to be run by teachers.
“Having them grow through the process is something that I’m quite proud of,” he said.
Form Five student Natalie Tse was in charge of the OSC committee’s communication with teachers. She said that speaking to unfamiliar teammates has helped her become more confident.
“It’s [been] a really good experience for me to try to open my world a bit,” Natalie said. “It took me a while to learn to be brave enough to communicate with them. I’m glad that I have widened my circle of friends.”
Form Five student Chloe Chan Chor-kei, co-chairperson of the OSC committee, said the experience has enhanced her leadership skills.
“I’ve also learned to think more critically, to listen to others’ opinions first and then express mine. I’ve learned to reach common ground with people,” she said.
Committee co-chairperson Lucas Cheung Hoi-on, a Form Four student, said the skills he has developed while serving on the committee will be helpful for his future career.
“In society, you will be working as a team, and I think it’s very important to know how to delegate work efficiently and effectively,” he said.
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.
