The local community came together under the neon Christmas lights illuminating Hong Kong’s Taikoo Place for the annual street market in aid of charity and to also support residents affected by a deadly fire at a housing estate in November.
The White Christmas Street Fair, held by Swire Properties, ran from December 11 to 14 at Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Square and Taikoo Park. The event raised funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), the annual charity drive run by the Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
Tim Blackburn, Swire Properties’ chief executive, said the fair had become a “much-loved tradition” in the community since its inception in 2013.
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“For us, it is an opportunity to give back to our community while creating a platform to empower the youth of Hong Kong and engage local businesses, performing groups, young entrepreneurs and social enterprises,” he said.
Blackburn said that, while all the proceeds from the fair would go to OSC to support the underprivileged, the company would match the money raised with a special contribution to relief efforts for residents affected by the blaze at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court.
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The fire started on November 26 and raged for about 43 hours, engulfing seven of the estate’s eight blocks. At least 161 people died in the tragedy, while 79 others were injured and nearly 5,000 residents were displaced.