Swire Properties Partners With Local Communities For White Christmas Street Fair 2018

Running from now until 1 December, the Tong Chong Street portion of the Street Fair at Taikoo Place follows closely on the successful first half of this major initiative, which took place last week at the Starstreet Precinct in the Pacific Place neighbourhood. Themed around quaint train stations, and with “The Santa Express” at the heart of the festivities, this celebration is reminiscent of traditional Christmas family get-togethers.  Highlights include close to 40 Christmas-themed booths, delightful DIY upcycling workshops and The Teddy Bear Parade. 

The Honourable Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Merlin Swire, Chairman of Swire Properties; Mr Guy Bradley, Chief Executive of Swire Properties; as well as Mr Hugh Chiverton, Head of English Programme Service at RTHK and the official representative of Operation Santa Claus, officiated at the White Christmas Street Fair 2018’s tree-lighting ceremony.

“Christmas is always a festive season, and in a city like Hong Kong, street life is part of our city fabric. So I’ve come here to commend and thank Swire Properties for doing this wonderful White Christmas Street Fair for the sixth year in a row,” said The Honourable Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

“This year’s White Christmas Street Fair has special elements on youth empowerment. I’m sure you will join me in attaching importance to the nurturing of young people in Hong Kong. You will be seeing a lot of young people participating in this Street Fair, so try to give credit to the young people as you enjoy this event over the next few days."

“The White Christmas Street Fair has become one of the city’s most-anticipated annual celebrations, a major event that brings our local communities together in the spirit of the season,” said Merlin Swire, Chairman of Swire Properties.

“This year’s Street Fair is even more meaningful as we’ve invited local residents, tenants and stakeholders to take part in our celebration, a homegrown event by the community, for the community. In particular, the Street Fair is a platform for the city’s youth to showcase their talents and gain useful experience.” 

Youth Empowerment

A key part of the Street Fair this year, and part of the Company’s community-building efforts, the event offers many opportunities for the city’s youth. These include: Swire Properties has partnered with Po Leung Kuk Young Entrepreneurship Foundation, for the first time, and invited four aspiring young entrepreneurs to set up booths to get real-life business experience. These youths were mentored by Swire Properties’ senior management team.

What’s more, the Street Fair will feature participants of Swire Properties’ all-new community-building initiative “HOMETOWN HEROES”. Members of local communities were invited to take part in special projects to show their

love for their neighbourhoods through the celebration of the arts, culture and beyond. Participants will present original songs, as well as food and drink during the Street Fair. 

Sustainable Development – At The Heart Of The Street Fair

To minimise the use of single-use plastics, visitors can borrow tableware or top up their water bottles at a refill station, at the dedicated sustainability station. They are also encouraged to bring their own tableware. What’s more, there are no plastic straws and cutlery, and bottled drinks at the Street Fair this year. 

For more information, visit the White Christmas Street Fair’s official Facebook page.