Operation Santa Claus: Maxim’s ramps up programmes, fundraising for Tai Po fire victims

A major Hong Kong catering and restaurant conglomerate has stepped up its annual fundraising efforts to provide emergency relief to those affected by the deadly Tai Po fire and long-term community projects for vulnerable groups.For more than 18 years, Maxim’s Group has supported Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual charitable fundraising initiative organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.“The (OSC) mission of “unlocking the city’s spirit of giving” strongly resonates with us, as we believe that giving should be inclusive, sustained and embedded into daily life,” the group said in a statement.“At Maxim’s, food is not just a business, it is a way to care for people and connect communities.”This year, the group raised HK$150,000 (US$19,140) for OSC through fundraising efforts and targeted community initiatives to support 13 local organisations that serve children, youth, the elderly and individuals with mental and physical disabilities.Alongside its support for OSC, Maxim’s launched a HK$5 million emergency appeal for residents of the Wang Fuk Court blaze and distributed HK$2 million in compassion dining vouchers to 2,000 affected families.