Eight MBA students formed a team called “mUST Santa” and competed with peers from other local business schools in a charity activity called the MBA Challenge for Operation Santa Claus.
In its third year, the the MBA Challenge for Operation Santa Claus aims to raise funds and awareness for the charity drive. Team mUST Santa put together the most “action-packed” business plan and won the Top Fund Raising Award by raising HK$211,000.
The eight future business leaders, part-time students with busy full-time work, had to outline a charitable project to secure donations and then put the plan into action. For two months, they successfully promoted the Operation Santa Claus brand all around town.
“The most impactful event is our finale on Christmas Day in Stanley, where we invited six celebrities including a DJ and an artist to dance and sing with members of the public,” said one of the team members, Kara Leung.
Kara added, “In six weeks, we received donations and sponsorships from 17 organizations (including beneficiaries) and recruited 45 volunteers to support our 11 activities held in different prime locations in Hong Kong.”
Their charitable events included craft workshops for kids and taking photos with Santa. The members’ vivid and interactive presentation also won the group the Best Presentation Award.
Operation Santa Claus is an annual charity campaign jointly organized by SCMP and RTHK and has operated since 1988. This year, the campaign chose 22 charities as beneficiaries.
Team mUST also shares their stories with SCMP and Next Media.