Carols, food stalls and families: charity event by Laguna City residents brings community together
Proceeds go to Operation Santa Claus, and with overwhelming response, private estate hopes to hold a bigger fundraiser next year
For years, a group of children living in Laguna City in Lam Tin have welcomed the festive season by singing carols door-to-door at the private estate, with donations for their efforts going to Operation Santa Claus, a joint charity drive by the South China Morning Post and RTHK.
This year, the spirit of giving was taken one step further by other residents, with fundraising activities organised along with the carolling tradition.
Earlier this month, volunteers from the Laguna City Charity Committee set up food and drinks stalls with home-cooked dishes. There were also game booths, merchandise and a raffle at the event.
One day after the festivities, dozens of residents also took part in a charity walk called “Go the extra mile”, from Laguna City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and back.
Gauri Venkitaraman, a committee member and full-time teacher, said all of them were professionals who wanted to give something back to the community. They would usually meet at 9pm or 10pm in early November to gather ideas for the charity event.