Editorial | Christmas brings hope at time of heartbreak
Sense of love and sharing inspired by seasonal events may help ease Hong Kong’s pain in wake of blaze tragedy and encourage an outpouring of charity for victims
Christmas is approaching faster than many in Hong Kong anticipated. Most people have been more intensely focused on last month’s deadly Tai Po fire and the enormous tasks of helping those affected, investigating what happened and trying to cope with deep sorrow. So, it has been encouraging to see the recent outpouring of community support for victims reflected and amplified by annual holiday events that aim to foster peace, love, togetherness and a giving spirit during the season.
The care and attention shown by individuals, companies and government officials was on display as the city’s Christmas street fair opened on Thursday. The White Christmas Street Fair was held by Swire Properties to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), the annual fundraising initiative organised by the Post and RTHK.
Grief was tempered by a blend of festive cheer and solemn remembrance that emphasised hope, community and courage. The ceremony opening included a moment of silence for those who died and thousands who have lost homes.
This year’s OSC aims to raise HK$11 million to support 13 local charity projects as well as provide help to those affected by the tragedy. It has been heartwarming to see many other holiday events similarly putting relief efforts front and centre.
Such caring gestures are, of course, in keeping with Christmas – a time for love, sharing and hope. Even the deep sadness that has gripped the city may gradually be nudged towards healing by the joys of the season. The fire has left the whole city heartbroken, but solidarity, courage and generosity have carried many forward through difficult times.
Such sentiments were visible at the street fair, where Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui voiced hope that the “familiar atmosphere” would offer comfort as she urged all to “pray for peace at heart and light of hope”. Swire chief executive Tim Blackburn noted that “turning pain into hope and channelling strength” can require greater courage than facing grief itself.