Grand annual International Christmas Charity Bazaar heralds the season
Mila Rodrigo, Rosana Gimeno and Paola Rodrigues
Returning for the 37th time and ringing in the festive season, the International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB) will be held on November 25 at the Galle Face Hotel Ballroom. The ICCB has been an annual event since its inception in 1982, with the committee of local and expatriate ladies organising an extravagant Christmas Bazaar in which all proceeds go to carefully selected charities and movements across Sri Lanka.
A non-profit, non-political organisation,the ICCB aims to bring in the different cultural influences in Sri Lanka under one roof. From local charity stalls offering items that are not freely available at affordable prices to exciting trinkets and seasonal goodies from around the world, the ICCB is a true delight for people searching for the perfect holiday gift or personal indulgence.
“What’s nice about this is, that even though we may just be here in Sri Lanka temporarily we still want to give back to the locals,” says Coordinator of the International Expatriate Association (IEA) for the ICCB, Savita Tiwari. She tells us how handmade pieces such as Christmas decorations, runners, bottle covers, cushion covers and greeting cards crafted by the IEA members will be available for purchase at their stall.
Savita Tiwari
Speaking to some of the ladies representing Spain Mila Rodrigo, Rosana Gimeno and Paola Rodrigues tell us they are excited to bring in delights from their home country – olives, olive oil, champagne, wine and Jamón (a type of Spanish ham). “We find it a great opportunity to help people,” Mila tells us as she recalls how last year they were able to provide purified water for school children in a rural area with the funds raised at their stall.
“We are proud to present this unique charity event that marks the beginning of the festive season every year and want everyone to enjoy their shopping experience from the international and local charity stalls. Organizing such an event would not be possible without our loyal sponsors and donors; we are ever so grateful to them for helping us year after year. Knowing that the bazaar contributes to help our local charities is very gratifying for all of us taking part in the event,” says Chairperson for the ICCB committee Fatema Jafferjee.
All proceeds from the sale of tickets, raffle tickets, silent auction and sponsor donations will directly benefit a number of charities such as Ease, Reach and Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Tickets for the International Christmas Charity Bazaar, priced at Rs.700 are available at: Café Kumbuk 60 Horton Place,Colombo 7, L’Atelier Touché, 50 R.A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3, The Gallery Shop, 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 3, PR, 41 Horton Place, Colombo 7, Trunk, Cinnamon Grand, Colombo 3 and Bien Être Salon, Fairway Galle.