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Good sports join chase to boost cause's coffers

Ada Lee

They dressed in red and gathered at a tennis court on Bowen Road last Sunday. Some had reindeer headbands and some had toddlers on their backs.

The 100 or so 'hashers' didn't know where they were going but they were all ready for the annual Santa Hash to raise money for Operation Santa Claus, the charity appeal co-organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK.

The run brings members from all of Hong Kong's 14 Hash House Harrier clubs together to pursue a lead 'hare' in a chase around the city.

'People of all ages and abilities can join hashing. It is a healthy and socialising activity,' hare Deric Probst-Wallace said.

The day before, another sporting group marshalled in Lan Kwai Fong for its Christmas party, raising more than HK$28,000 for the appeal.

The Liechtenstein Princely Navy, a jolly Hong Kong dragon boat team, assembled in full uniform, with fines imposed for missing gloves or unpolished shoes.

'Sailors' were also ordered to put HK$10 in the fund if they had gained weight in the past six months.

'We want to keep using the uniform every year and we want to give it a purpose,' 'Admiral' Silvan Colani said.

The landlocked principality's team has paddled for a decade and it is the third time it has taken part in Operation Santa Claus. The team also auctioned off team T-shirts, a Liechtenstein umbrella, stationery and accessories.

'Dragon boat racing is the best team sport. The team must paddle together. Otherwise, it won't work,' Colani said.

You can help make a difference

How you can give

Donate online by credit card at osc.scmp.com

Donations can be made by ATM or at any HSBC branches: a/c number 502-676299-001 for SCMP CHARITIES LTD - OPERATION SANTA CLAUS

You can donate by cheque, payable to 'SCMP CHARITIES LTD - OPERATION SANTA CLAUS' and mailed to: Operation Santa Claus, Morning Post Centre, 22 Dai Fat Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, New Territories, Hong Kong.

Donations of HK$100 or more are tax-deductible. If you'd like a tax receipt, please send the completed donation form and original bank receipt, with your name, address and phone number, to the address above

Contact us at [email protected] or 2680 8159 or visit us online at osc.scmp.com

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