It’s just 14 days away; the International Christmas Charity Bazaar
Some of the organisers: All set for ICCB 2017. Pic by Athula Devapriya
Colombo’s much awaited seasonal shopping experience – the International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB) is just 14 days away – so save the date – Sunday, November 26 at the Hilton Residences from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. The bazaar is in its 37th consecutive year with all proceeds going to local charities.
Shoppers will have a diverse collection of crafts, food delicacies, accessories, clothing and many more as there will be stalls representing over 20 different countries and both local and international charity organisations taking part.
The organising committee of local and expatriate ladies residing in Colombo look forward to another successful event and at a meeting with participants earlier this week shared their thoughts on this year’s event.
Sisters from the Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena are enthusiastic about the event. “We have been active participants for the past three years and plan to display handicrafts, bags and cushion covers. The proceeds would go to empower women in need,” a representative said. Ease Foundation, dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families, especially those with autism, is one of the charities helped by the ICCB. Anoja Rajapatirana, Co-founder of the organisation says, “This year we would be having kitchen stools and bags made by the autistic children in our organisation.”
The three main charities which would benefit from this year’s event are Ease, Reach and Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Reach is conducting programmes in Wanathamulla to educate children in English and self development. The women will display baby clothing and bed linen at the bazaar which will generate an income to improve their livelihood.
The United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) has been a part of the ICCB for more than 30 years. A representative Indrani says visitors can look forward to goods from UK, USA and the Philippines at their stall. “Most would be Christmas items including packed cookies, chocolates and kids’ Christmas goodies.”
Germany being one of the most popular and oldest tables at the bazaar, their charity organization,‘ Die Hilfsbrüecke’ will have lots of German delicacies including sweets, sausages and famous German bread. This year, Spain would have a special stall in collaboration with some other Latino countries such as Brazil, Panama, Mexico and Colombia. They would be showcasing a wide variety of goods including olive oil, coffee, spices and Christmas table runners. Gazpacho (a Spanish soup) and Sangria (Spanish beverage) will also be available.
Via Village Entrepreneurs Centre, Vavuniya is a first time participant at the ICCB this year. An organisation committed to empowering women, their stall would display handicrafts, citronella soap and more.
The ICCB 2017 is sponsored and partnered by Spa Ceylon Ayurveda, Hilton Colombo Residencies, Leo Burnett, Anim8, Akbar Tea and Qatar Airways as the raffle sponsor for the first prize of the Grand ICCB Raffle.
Tickets priced at Rs.700 are mainly available through committee members, participating country organisations and at the following venues: Hilton Residences, Union Place, Colombo 2, The Gallery Café Shop – 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 3, Trunk – Cinnamon Grand, Colombo 3, PR – 41 Horton Place, Colombo 7, Milk – 44A Horton Place, Colombo 7, Sugar Bistro – Dutch Hospital, Galle Fort. Tickets (if remaining) will be sold at the door on the day of the bazaar.