ASEAN Women’s Circle bazaar raises fund for charity

09-Nov-2017

Source: ASEAN Secretariat News

ASEAN Women’s Circle bazaar raises fund for charity

JAKARTA, 9 November 2017 – The annual bazaar held by ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) of Jakarta on 6-7 November at the ASEAN Secretariat attracted hundreds of patrons.

Over 80 vendors representing ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners and business owners from different provinces of Indonesia participated in this year’s event, selling a diverse selection of products ranging from oriental carpets, rattan furniture, jewelries, batik fabrics, apparels, to accessories, utensils and decorative items made from clay or recycled materials.

The bazaar is part of AWC’s efforts to promote a caring and sharing ASEAN community. Profit from the event is often used to help those who are less fortunate. Last year, AWC bazaar raised more than 129 million Indonesia Rupiah which was donated to Yayasan Senar Pelangi, Yayasan Indonesia Hijau and House of Grace. Yayasan Senar Pelangi is a rehabilitation centre for children with disabilities run by the Franciscan Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Yayasan Indonesia Hijau provides support to children who cannot afford education while House of Grace supports sexually-exploited young women and victims of human trafficking through restoration and reintegration programme.

The proceeds of 140 million Indonesia Rupiah from this year’s bazaar will be donated to Ekselensia Indonesia, a boarding school for less fortunate children, Yayasan Indonesia Hijau, and other foundations that work to improve the welfare of women and children as well as emergency relief efforts.

Aside from showcasing arts and crafts of different countries and cultures, the two-day event also served as a culinary feast to the guests.  Traditional food, deserts and delicacies from the ASEAN region and from other parts of the world were also available.

Lucky draws and silent auctions for travel and hotel accommodations were also part of the bazaar activities. Sponsors such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Shangrila Jakarta, Fairmont Hotel, JW Marriot, Turkuaz Restaurant, Alila Hotels, PT Options Entertainment International and Asian Tigers donated to prizes and giveaways.

Guests from the diplomatic corps, friends and patrons of AWC attended the opening programme at the ASEAN Secretariat.  Yasmin Fachir, AWC Chief Patron, spouse of the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir, led the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon along with Sari Percaya, AWC President and Lee Yong Yong, Director for Community Affairs Directorate, ASEAN Secretariat.

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