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.
很开心出席今日的「白色圣诞市集—CHOCOLAND！」开幕典礼。这个市集是太古地产的年度社区盛事，活动收益将全数拨捐「爱心圣诞大行动」，以支持多个非牟利组织推展社区关爱工作，实在十分有意义。
今年的市集更是尤其充满青春活力，因为是由Swire Properties Placemaking Academy的大专生，联同东区民政事务处「东区青藤」计划下的中学生携手呈献。我代表特区政府，对太古地产在栽培青年方面的贡献，表示衷心的谢意。
我很期待，特区政府联同太古地产以至社会各界继续紧密合作，做好青年发展和社区建设的工作。借今日机会，我当然亦要一提，十二月十日是区议会选举的大日子，大家记得联同亲朋好友，踊跃投票，一起建设更美好的社区。
最后，我预祝「白色圣诞市集」圆满成功，亦预祝各位圣诞快乐。多谢大家。
Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:05
Issued at HKT 20:05
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