- Younger members shine through to support long-running tournament that nearly HK$70 million
Nearly 200 contestants took a swing at raising money for those in need at an annual charity event hosted by Hong Kong Golf Club in Sheung Shui.
The Cup of Kindness, which is sponsored by a broad spectrum of Hong Kong companies, is traditionally held in the latter months of the year for worthy causes.
Beneficiaries of its 32nd instalment, staged on October 13, included Operation Santa Claus, the annual fundraiser jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
Launched in 1988, OSC is an annual charity campaign that harnesses Hong Kong's fundraising spirit to provide financial support for good causes in the city and beyond.
William Doo Jr, captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, said 188 players had taken part in the charitable tournament amid spells of downpour.
"Everyone is trying to support it," he said, adding those taking part were in higher spirits when the morning rain subsided.
"Every member says it's meaningful and that it's a happy event."
The annual Cup of Kindness event has raised almost HK$70 million (US$8.9 million) since 1987.
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Doo said the club's members had been contributing to the charity gala in different ways, such as by donating goodies for a raffle.
The captain noted the role of younger members as the club's charitable initiative grew in size and featured a wider variety of activities.
"We are trying to educate them to understand that if we are fortunate enough to be successful, then we have to give back," he said.
He also looked forward to working on more projects with Operation Santa Claus, which became the club's charity partner last year.
Hugh Chiverton, RTHK's head of its English programme service, said both the festive campaign and the Cup of Kindness had a long tradition of helping the underprivileged.
The veteran campaigner, representing OSC, said: "There are ups and downs in different years. We will continue to do what we can for the deserving causes in Hong Kong.
"Operation Santa Claus is also associated with young people. It's good to see the young golfers doing so well," he added.
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Ian Gardner, the club's general manager, said his team attached great importance to junior golf development.
"We do a lot with local schools and the community to bring in children," he said of how the club could get more younger ones interested in the sport.
The charity golf event was capped off with the presentation of a HK$2million cheque by the club's charity committee chairman, Martin Hadaway, to Operation Santa Claus, which supports the benevolent work of many organisations, including The Home of Loving Faithfulness.
The residential home in Sheung Shui provides life-long Christian care to over 60 children and adults living with special needs.
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