Operation Santa's musical boost

On December 16, more than 250 students from Clearwater Bay School performed in a Christmas Carol Concert before an audience of nearly 700.

The concert took place on the school's playground, and was held to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), a charity campaign co-founded by the South China Morning Post and RTHK.

Taking part were choirs, an orchestra, a Chinese drum ensemble, and contemporary dancers. David Jacquier, the school's head of arts, said the students had been practising for the concert since September.

Alongside the students, one choir featured parents and teachers. After the hour-long performance, donations totalling HK$10,523 were collected.

School principal, David Fitzgerald, said: 'Our school has been giving to OSC since 2004 and we will continue to help because it is a very meaningful event. The concert demonstrates that our children are capable of taking action to give back to the community.'

Year Six student Connie Boeree made her own individual contribution to OSC, selling her reindeer-shaped candies for HK$10 a piece, after the concert.

The school's Parent-Teacher Association co-chair, Sarah Holden, said: 'All the money raised went straight to charity, as the Parent-Teacher Association sponsored all expenses.'

And it was not only students at Clearwater Bay School who were feeling charitable. Last month two events at the American International School raised a total of HK$14,139 for OSC.

On December 11, a free dress day was held, while on December 18, it was red and green day. Participating students donated HK$20 to the good cause.

Learn more about OSC, visit osc.scmp.com