Operation Santa Claus: bankers club together for charity

More than HK$500,000 was raised at this year's BAML charity golf do, all part of a commitment to forging a strong community

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Players cheer their fund-raising efforts at the BAML charity golf day at Clearwater Bay Golf Club. Photo: Edward Wong

Published: 12:00am, 15 Dec 2012Updated: 3:48am, 15 Dec 2012

Over the windswept hills of Clear Water Bay, the sun finally broke through the clouds after days of rain. The golfers were unsure what they day might bring, but it turned out well for the crowd at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML) charity golf day.

About 70 men and women - clients, business partners and friends of the bank - putted and swung away to raise money for Operation Santa Claus. The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club generously hosted the event at no cost.

John O'Toole, general counsel for BAML Asia Pacific, said as he launched the event: "We have a strong tradition of supporting local communities, which we encourage everyone to do."

The bank has been an important sponsor for Operation Santa Claus, organised by the and RTHK for the past 15 years. This year OSC donations will go to help a wide spectrum of underprivileged people in Hong Kong, including children, the elderly, victims of domestic violence and people with mental and physical disabilities.

Huen Wong, deputy chairman of the club, said: "It's wonderful to be able to support 300 life-changing [operations] with Operation Smile."

The BAML charity golf day alone raised more than HK$500,000 this year, through registration fees, raffle tickets and the sale of "mulligan" tickets (entitling the bearer to one free shot).