Speech by CS at Opening Ceremony of White Christmas Street Fair 2023 (with photos/video)
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Tim (Chief Executive of Swire Properties, Mr Tim Blackburn), Tammy (representative of Operation Santa Claus and Editor-in-Chief of South China Morning Post, Ms Tammy Tam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you all for the grand opening of Swire Properties' White Christmas Street Fair 2023 "CHOCOLAND!" this evening.
The Street Fair, as Swire Properties' annual signature event, has been fostering the betterment of Hong Kong society. This year's edition is no exception. All proceeds will go to Operation Santa Claus 2023, which supports various charitable organisations to help society.
The fair also promotes close co-operation between the Government, the business sector, and the community.
And this year's edition is particularly youthful, I am glad to note. It is jointly presented by university students under the Swire Properties Placemaking Academy, together with secondary school students under the E-League programme of the Government's Eastern District Office.
On behalf of the Government, I would like to thank Swire Properties for its ongoing commitment to grooming Hong Kong young people.
No doubt, the Street Fair enables the youth to showcase their talent and creativity. It also complements the efforts of the Government, jointly with all walks of life, to implement our Youth Development Blueprint for young people's healthy growth and holistic development.
I am sure Hong Kong citizens, including you all, will enjoy this year's Street Fair.
No less important, I appeal to you all, once again, to cast your vote in the District Council election on December 10. Together with the capable District Council members to be elected, we will build a better community.
On that note, I wish the Street Fair a great success and every one of you a Merry Christmas ahead.
Now, may I say a few words in Cantonese.
很開心出席今日的「白色聖誕市集—CHOCOLAND！」開幕典禮。這個市集是太古地產的年度社區盛事，活動收益將全數撥捐「愛心聖誕大行動」，以支持多個非牟利組織推展社區關愛工作，實在十分有意義。
今年的市集更是尤其充滿青春活力，因為是由Swire Properties Placemaking Academy的大專生，聯同東區民政事務處「東區青藤」計劃下的中學生攜手呈獻。我代表特區政府，對太古地產在栽培青年方面的貢獻，表示衷心的謝意。
我很期待，特區政府聯同太古地產以至社會各界繼續緊密合作，做好青年發展和社區建設的工作。借今日機會，我當然亦要一提，十二月十日是區議會選舉的大日子，大家記得聯同親朋好友，踴躍投票，一起建設更美好的社區。
最後，我預祝「白色聖誕市集」圓滿成功，亦預祝各位聖誕快樂。多謝大家。
Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:05
Issued at HKT 20:05
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