Jointly organised by RTHK and the South China Morning Post, Operation Santa Claus 2023 is in full swing. This year we are raising money for 16 good causes, one of which is a non-profit organisation that helps young people experiencing homelessness find their purpose in life.

In 2014, long-time Hong Kong resident Jeff Rotmeyer began handing out food to homeless people in a Kowloon park. His humanitarian move evolved to become "ImpactHK" in 2017, an organisation that supports people on their journey to independent living, while raising public awareness of the reality of homelessness in the city.

Donations to the NGO from the Operation Santa Claus 2023 drive will be dedicated to one of their three community centres in Tai Kok Tsui: Center 29. There, people living on the streets are invited for an assessment of their skills, talents, and specific needs. The centre's staff -- about a third of whom used to be homeless themselves -- will then connect them to opportunities best suited to their needs.

The NGO distributes up to 700 meals daily and has housed more than 600 people in their shelter. But speaking to RTHK's JP Rossouw, founder and chief operating officer Rotmeyer said it is a place where "friends" can satisfy not only their physiological needs but also their need for friendships and self-esteem.

"We're talking about a community that are extremely lonely, so as a charity we try to focus on a lot more than giving people just rooms."

"In Centre 29, we offer food support every day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner; clothing in the styles that they like, and we have laundry machines so they can keep that clothing; we do haircuts; we have internet access, address proof... and most importantly it's just a place where people are accepted, welcomed, and they can just rest," he added, expressing gratitude for the campaign's "amazing" support.

The theme for this year's Operation Santa Claus campaign is "Magic Moments", and 16 good causes will benefit, covering everything from children and youth needs to the environment and help for people with disabilities.

To find out more about Operation Santa Claus or to support the campaign, visit the Operation Santa Claus website.