Biggest Great Santa Run so far
On Saturday evening, December 16, 2017, the weather in Hong Kong had turned cold and windy. In fact, it was the coldest day so far this winter.
This did not deter the over 1,500 racers and volunteers. One by one, young and old, they showed up at the Hong Kong Science Park. Most came dressed in Santa Claus suits. A number of people got creative and came dressed as reindeers, elves, snowman, and candy canes.
As the sky grew dark, the stage lights, a 12-foot Christmas tree, and all the game booths glowed and glittered. Snow, though not quite real, began to fall as Christmas music started to fill the air with warmth and excitement.
Everyone was all smiles. Yes, they were there to have fun, whether it was running with a friend in the Buddy Run, or with a child in the Family Fun Run, or simply trying to break a personal best in the 8 km Individual Run. Everyone there also had a bigger purpose - to raise money to support the work at the HOPE worldwide Centre for Kids.
Funds raised from this event go towards helping children from low-income families who have special education needs. Statistics show that an increasing number of children in Hong Kong are identified as such. While wealthier families can afford to get the extra help for their children, parents of low-income families simply cannot do so.
Meet Joey and his Grandma
One day last year, a grandma brought her grandson to the HOPE worldwide Centre for Kids. Joey, who was in third grade, has autism spectrum disorder. Grandma couldn’t help Joey with homework nor with his social development. When Joey first came, he did not talk with anyone and would only read the same book every day. Gradually Joey began to talk, but only about one thing--whales. After coming to the centre for a year, Joey can now complete his homework. He now interacts with other children as we often hear his conversations and laughter. When grandma comes to pick up Joey, she smiles more often and her eyes have a more hopeful look.
We are excited that this Great Santa Run is giving us resources to change the lives of kids like Joey and give their families the hope that their children will develop to their fullest potential. It is the perfect gift to start off the New Year!
We give many great big thank yous to the following individuals, corporate teams, sponsors and volunteers. We couldn’t have organized this most successful event without your generosity and support! Thank you!
Individuals
Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang, Chairman of the MTR Corporation - Honoured Guest
Phil Lam, Singer - Event Ambassador
Title Sponsor
DYXnet Group
Corporate Teams and Sponsors
Cheong Tai International Holdings Ltd.
Fiducia Management Consultants
Forever Friends
Hermes-OTTO International
KONE
Manna Water
MTR Corporation
Pruden
In-kind Sponsors
Calbee Four Seas Co. Ltd.
DKSH Hong Kong Limited
Dr. Health Ltd.
Prime
RS Lifestyle Ltd.
Seam Sports Limited
Shun Hing Life and Beauty Co. Ltd.
Trendz 360 (HK) Ltd.
Vemedia Shine Limited
Performers and Supporters
Balletbean Dance Academy
Belilios Public School Choir
Hong Kong Church of Christ Campus Ministry
Love Sowers Voluntary Service Team
Park Central
Santa School Hong Kong
Wasabi Creation Limited
See you again in December, 2018!
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