2026 Operation Santa Claus applicants seek long-term change, not ‘quick fixes’

Charities applying for this year’s round of funding from Operation Santa Claus (OSC) aim to tackle the root causes of Hong Kong’s problems and create a lasting impact that goes beyond the financial support period, organisers have said.

OSC, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent annual charity fundraising campaigns, received 102 funding applications by its June 10 deadline.

Senior manager Rachel Chow Chiu-yan, who leads the effort jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK, said the noticeable difference this year was that the nature of the projects was far more sophisticated.

“We’re seeing a profound shift from ‘quick-fix’ charity to deep, systemic intervention,” she said.

This year’s applicants are focusing on three main areas identified by OSC as needing urgent intervention in Hong Kong: poverty; health and well-being; and inclusivity.

Many of the proposals aim to help the working poor, who remain unable to build long-term financial self-sufficiency despite working full-time jobs.