The 2007 Annual Charity Bazaar was a great success, thanks to the wonderful contribution of all the volunteers, sponsors and participants! A fantastic day was had by all, despite the cold weather! We had the chance to sample food from all corners of the world, from Moroccan mint tea to Malaysian satays, not forgetting Thai desserts, Belgian waffles, Italian pizzas and Korean tea!
The HIWC is deeply appreciative of the generous donors and volunteers who helped raise a significant amount of money which the club will use to fund many charities over the coming months.
Since 1991 the Hanoi Diplomatic Ladies Group has been known as the Hanoi International Women's Club. Community aid funds are raised by HIWC, primarily through the Annual Charity Bazaar (an annual event since 1992). The Bazaar has grown each year to become the most well attended event of the holiday season and raising a sizeable amount for Vietnamese charities with the help of many volunteers.
All the proceeds of the bazaar go to the community aid projects that help disadvantaged women and children in and around Hanoi. These fund have considerably increased since 1991. The organization of this bazaar is undertaken by more than thirty volunteers who help in different facets of the organization. The participants in the bazaar can be divided into four categories.
Country Tables
This is the main component of the Bazaar. Representatives from the participating countries set up stalls to sell their food as well as art and crafts. The proceeds (most of the time the cost is deducted by the participating countries) are donated to HIWC. This accounts for three quarters of Bazaar income.
Corporate Sponsors
HIWC approaches various multinationals operating in Vietnam as well as Vietnamese concerns for donations in cash or kind. The donations in kind are offered as raffle prizes and the cash is added to bazaar income.
Commercial Tables
In absence of a Vietnamese country table, it was necessary to find a way to provide the bazaar visitors with a choice of Vietnamese craft. Thus, the tradition of commercial tables.
Charity Tables
HIWC Bazaar also provides a venue for various charitable organizations as well as HIWC sponsored projects to sell crafts for the benefit of their organization.
Last, but not the least, component of the Bazaar are the visitors who pay to attend with all the international goodies at their disposal. There is everything for a perfect family outing, food and drinks, art and craft from all over the world. There is a kids corner offering many activities for the kids, entertainment program showcasing many child and adult artists, all in a big venue with green grass to relax.