Company to Match Donations to Support Tai Po Relief Efforts
Swire Properties’ annual White Christmas Street Fair returns to Taikoo Place today. In light of the recent Tai Po tragedy, this year’s Street Fair is dedicated to supporting those affected. Through acts of giving and solidarity, the event aims to bring hope and strength for brighter days ahead.
From 11 to 14 December, this year’s event will organise fundraising activities across Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Square and Taikoo Park to support Operation Santa Claus and its network of NGOs. In addition, Swire Properties will match every dollar raised to contribute to aid Tai Po relief efforts.
Designed and created by ten local university students from Swire Properties Placemaking Academy’s (SPPA) 2025 cohort, this year’s Street Fair draws inspiration from Hong Kong’s iconic neon lights and reflects creativity, resilience and empathy under the theme “Colour the Season – LIGHTS OF HOPE.” In response to the Tai Po tragedy, the students have reimagined the event, transforming vibrant colours into symbols of hope and solidarity for the community.
The Placemaking Academy Junior Programme, a collaboration between SPPA and the E-League Programme run by the Eastern District Office, returns for a third year, with five secondary school students from Eastern District trained by industry experts as emcees at the Street Fair.
Proceeds from on-site activities and a portion of retail and F&B sales will be donated to Operation Santa Claus. Swire Properties will match every dollar raised to support Tai Po relief efforts, which will be directed to Sheng Kung Hui Act of Love 1126 Fire Disaster Support Fund and St. James’ Settlement to provide emergency relief and recovery assistance.
In addition, the Company has introduced a staff matching donation scheme, while Swire Hotels has contributed additional resources. Corporate volunteers — Swire Properties’ Community Ambassadors — are assisting the Hong Kong Housing Society’s emergency initiative at transitional housing units for affected households. The Swire Group, including Swire Properties, Swire Coca-Cola, Cathay and other operating companies, has already pledged over HKD10 million and essential supplies to support relief efforts.
The opening night of the Street Fair was dedicated to an Evening of Hope and Remembrance, honouring the care and close connections that unite the community in the face of tragedy. Guests gathered in solidarity as Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties; and Ms Tammy Tam, Editor-in-Chief of South China Morning Post and representative of Operation Santa Claus, shared words of encouragement and compassion. A moment of silence set the tone for an evening of reflection, followed by music that inspired resilience and community spirit.
“Christmas is a time to reconnect with what is truly important, and this year’s White Christmas Street Fair, which is a part of Hong Kong Tourism Board’s ‘Hong Kong WinterFest’, holds a special meaning for all of us,” said Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
“It embraces elements of the Christmas values, such as love, peace, hope and the importance of coming together as a community to share meaningful moments. As we gradually come out of the haze of the fire, the Street Fair gives us a very good opportunity to go back to a familiar atmosphere, and to experience a moment of ease and comfort. I would like to thank Swire Properties for their generosity and dedication to supporting those in need.”
“The White Christmas Street Fair is a cherished tradition of giving back,” said Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties. “This year, as our city faces a difficult time, we hope to bring light, hope and togetherness — standing with those affected in Tai Po and reminding ourselves of the strength of community.”
“In the true spirit of Christmas, this event not only fosters unity but also strengthens the resilience of the next generation. The Street Fair is the culmination of months of hard work by SPPA students, and we are proud to see them turn their ideas into reality, demonstrating empathy and agility as they adapted the theme to reflect the needs of our community. We hope their energy and compassion will inspire us all to come together to bring hope and strength for brighter days ahead.”
“Giving is a constant action. We are proud to have been running the Operation Santa Claus, a homegrown flagship charity drive jointly established by the South China Morning Post and RTHK since 1988. This citywide charity drive has been successful because of passionate partners and generous supporters believing in collective giving. The fund raised will benefit 13 local charity projects as well as the Emergency Appeal in response to the fire, bringing care and hope to communities in need. Thanks to our long-standing partner Swire Properties, this White Christmas Street Fair has also fostered such spirit among tenants and generous supporters,” said Tammy Tam, Editor-in-Chief of South China Morning Post and representative of Operation Santa Claus.
Towards A Zero-Waste Festive Event for the Community
Sustainability remains central to the Street Fair, in line with Swire Properties’ SD 2030 Strategy. The SPPA worked closely with designers, suppliers and tenants to advance towards the goal of making the Street Fair a zero-waste event.
Measures include reusable cutlery and recyclable production materials including honeycomb board and quartz sand 3D printing technology. After the Street Fair, the neon sign installation will be fully deconstructed, upcycled and preserved.
To measure its carbon footprint, the Street Fair has eight electricity meters installed to track energy use. The SPPA has partnered with Recyclink — a sustainable event solutions consultancy founded by SPPA alumni — to evaluate performance and identify opportunities at future events.