Hong Kong , February 8, 2007 – The South China Morning Post today announced that it has been awarded Caring Company status by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services for its Operation Santa Claus (OSC) project.
Co-organized for the last 19 years by SCMP and RTHK Radio 3, Operation Santa Claus raised a record total of over HK$16 million in 2006 for 27 beneficiaries in five main areas of need: mental and physical disabilities; children and youth; the elderly; AIDS/HIV, and medical issues. From modest beginnings in 1988, the project has now collected more than $104 million in cash, goods and services, including $9 million for the tsunami victims in 2004.
Commenting on this award, Nancy Valiente, Managing Director said, "I’m pleased that Operation Santa Claus has been recognized through this award as it is an important part of our corporate social responsibility programme. One of the advantages of being a media company is our ability to raise awareness of worthy causes and generate community support for them. Year after year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our readers, not only in support of Operation Santa Claus, but also of the other stories we run throughout the year that touch them."
This year 1,176 companies have been awarded the Caring Company Logo having fulfilled at least two of the six criteria – Volunteering, Family Friendly, Employing the Vulnerable, Partnering, Mentoring and Giving. The SCMP was recognized for Partnering and Giving, and was nominated by one of OSC’s beneficiaries, the Arts with the Disabled Association.
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About South China Morning Post Publishers Limited
The company publishes the South China Morning Post and the Sunday Morning Post, Asia’s premier English language daily and Sunday newspaper with the highest circulation of any English language newspapers in Hong Kong. South China Morning Post Publishers Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited. which is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
For more information contact Amanda Turnbull, Director, Marketing and Communication on 2250-3130 or email amanda.turnbull@scmp.com