The Seoul International Women’s Association will host its annual SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar on Monday.
More than 40 embassies and several clubs, local businesses, sponsors, welfare organizations and SIWA volunteers take part in the bazaar, which has become one of the largest international fund-raising events in Seoul.
The bazaar will include dozens of stalls selling craft and traditional goods, as well as food from around the world.
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| People look around last year’s SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar in the 63 Building in Yeouido, Seoul. SIWA |
There will also be a raffle and performances throughout the day by the Cordao de Ouro Capoeira School, Indonesian folk dancers and others.
“This international shopping extravaganza promises to be an entertaining cultural experience. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate together the diverse cultures represented in Seoul,” said bazaar chair Courtney Snede.
Hosted since the 1960s, the SIWA Bazaar has raised over 2 billion won ($1.8 million) over the years, the association says.
“The Bazaar fund-raising event provides a platform for SIWA and the diplomatic community to remember the marginalized and the most vulnerable segments of the population in Korea” said Anne Choe, SIWA president.
All proceeds generated by SIWA from the event will be donated to its welfare committee, which also receives funds through the annual SIWA Gala and other activities, such as tours run by SIWA members.
In total, the committee provided 133 million won to around 20 charities between May 2014 and April 2015, all of which are local to Korea ― including Sunshine Drop-in Center for Homeless Men, YangYang Children’s Welfare Center and the Korean Red Cross.
“We are helping Korean charities in the Korean community, because we are in Korea. The backbone of our organization is charitable activities,” said SIWA public relations chair Fitri Isenbeck.
The bazaar will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lotte Hotel in central Seoul.
For more information about the bazaar, visit siwapage.com.
By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)
