T he International Women's Club (IWC) of Sofia, which has over 240 members representing more than 40 countries and nationalities, is busy finalising the last details of its annual Christmas Charity Bazaar.
Charity is one of the main objectives of the IWC. The club aims to help marginalised Bulgarian groups and institutions like women, the elderly, children living in orphanages and homes for the mentally and physically disabled and the Roma people. Their priority is to provide fundamental needs such as food, clothing, medicine, or structural repair. The Christmas Charity Bazaar, which will be held on Sunday, November 21, is their main fundraiser for these projects. Vice president of the IWC Suzanne Barrett: "The bazaar is a seasonal event and a great opportunity for people to enjoy food, folklore, handicraft and souvenirs from many different countries, as well as to find great second-hand books and magazines, nearly new clothes and house-hold items. There will be a kid's corner for children aged between two and seven, and of course Santa Claus will also pay a visit." All the proceeds of the bazaar will go to different charity projects.
Charity Coordinator Marie Halbherr: "The Christmas Bazaar is getting bigger and bigger every year. Last year was a huge success; we raised about 60 000 leva from nearly 2000 visitors and generous sponsors from the community. With this money we helped, for instance, handicapped children in a home in Petrovo. This home accommodates about 100 children aged between three and 18. The majority of them have severe mental and/or physical handicaps. The IWC purchased much needed physiotherapy equipment and helped provide physiotherapeutic care. With the help of other foundations, the IWC started a Baba Program, whereby retired women from nearby villages give exclusive care to two children for two hours a day." This example is one of the many projects IWC supports. There were also repairs on an orphanage in Kyustendil, support of the integration of Roma children into mainstream schools, food supplies for an orphanage in Vratza and the funding of a soup kitchen during the winter months. "Another very special project is helping the Light for Life Foundation", says Marie. "This foundation provides professional support to those with disabilities living at home and in institutions. The IWC funds a psychologist for the "Children who Care" project, which aims to help children who are caregivers for their disabled parents." But the list of charities goes on and on. Thanks to a great number of volunteers and sponsors this year's bazaar looks at least as promising as last year's. "This year we aim to build on last year's achievement. So please come and enjoy the Christmas Bazaar and help us to provide more charitable aid throughout Bulgaria," concludes Suzanne.
Charity is one of the main objectives of the IWC. The club aims to help marginalised Bulgarian groups and institutions like women, the elderly, children living in orphanages and homes for the mentally and physically disabled and the Roma people. Their priority is to provide fundamental needs such as food, clothing, medicine, or structural repair. The Christmas Charity Bazaar, which will be held on Sunday, November 21, is their main fundraiser for these projects. Vice president of the IWC Suzanne Barrett: "The bazaar is a seasonal event and a great opportunity for people to enjoy food, folklore, handicraft and souvenirs from many different countries, as well as to find great second-hand books and magazines, nearly new clothes and house-hold items. There will be a kid's corner for children aged between two and seven, and of course Santa Claus will also pay a visit." All the proceeds of the bazaar will go to different charity projects.
Charity Coordinator Marie Halbherr: "The Christmas Bazaar is getting bigger and bigger every year. Last year was a huge success; we raised about 60 000 leva from nearly 2000 visitors and generous sponsors from the community. With this money we helped, for instance, handicapped children in a home in Petrovo. This home accommodates about 100 children aged between three and 18. The majority of them have severe mental and/or physical handicaps. The IWC purchased much needed physiotherapy equipment and helped provide physiotherapeutic care. With the help of other foundations, the IWC started a Baba Program, whereby retired women from nearby villages give exclusive care to two children for two hours a day." This example is one of the many projects IWC supports. There were also repairs on an orphanage in Kyustendil, support of the integration of Roma children into mainstream schools, food supplies for an orphanage in Vratza and the funding of a soup kitchen during the winter months. "Another very special project is helping the Light for Life Foundation", says Marie. "This foundation provides professional support to those with disabilities living at home and in institutions. The IWC funds a psychologist for the "Children who Care" project, which aims to help children who are caregivers for their disabled parents." But the list of charities goes on and on. Thanks to a great number of volunteers and sponsors this year's bazaar looks at least as promising as last year's. "This year we aim to build on last year's achievement. So please come and enjoy the Christmas Bazaar and help us to provide more charitable aid throughout Bulgaria," concludes Suzanne.
