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International Christmas Bazaar 2022 – the biggest international charity event in Riga
This year the International Women’s Club of Riga (IWCR) Christmas Bazaar was held at the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference and Spa Hotel (Elizabetes iela 55) on Sunday, 20 November from 11:00-16:00. The IWCR Christmas Bazaar is our main fundraising event, supported by foreign ambassadors and their families, a strong international community, and local businesses. Together, we raise funds to support the important work of several charity organizations. As such, we are essential for public benefit, relief, and to provide assistance to people at times of need in all parts of Latvia. Everyone in attendance traveled across the world with us as they tasted and shopped their way through the Bazaar! This year we had a Photo Booth and Popcorn Machine provided by the BEREC Office, FAST ART by the lovely and talented local artist Mary Zhang, performances by King’s College, International School of Riga, German School, video footage provided by the Embassy of Azerbaijan, video footage provided by the Embassy of Uzbekistan, Irish Dance Performances, Lithuanian Musical Performance, and Santa Claus stopped by from the North Pole!
The Online Auction sponsored by the BEREC Office will begin 3 December through 8 December. Mark your calendars and place your highest bid! May the odds be ever in your favor!
“The Online Auction offers high valuable goods and intercultural experiences through an online bidding process. Visitors can bid on unique items you cannot buy anywhere else – such as a fabulous wine tasting with the French Ambassador, Dinner with the Italian Ambassador, Irish Dance Class with the Ambassador or Ireland, Fika with the Swedish Ambassador, Skiing with the Swiss Ambassador, Canadian Breakfast with the Deputy Commander of Task Force Latvia, or a Private Baking/Cooking Class of your choice of American Cuisine with me, the President of IWCR!
I am very excited to see the auction go online on December 3rd – for a limited time of 6 days only! The person with the highest bid will win the auction item by December 8th. For sure, you will need to be quick to secure one of the great deals!” says Danielle Polumbo Shumsky, President International Women’s Club of Riga.
Our Sponsors:
About IWCR
The International Women’s Club of Riga is an international group of 140 women from 40 countries. Together, the members take the opportunity to learn about Latvian culture, and to give something back to the local community. The charity work is very close to the members’ hearts. Throughout the year, the IWCR members support charity associations, and seek to raise funds to provide support and financial assistance. The primary focus is on helping families, mothers, the elderly and abused both in Riga and the Latvian countryside. The members also enjoy social events for enjoyment, fellowship, and to encourage other ladies to join the club and help support our cause.
Each year the International Women’s Club of Riga (IWCR) hosts the International Christmas Bazaar to raise money for Latvian charities. In 2019, this one event raised over €42,000 which was distributed amongst fourteen selected charities for projects in 2020. Due to the pandemic, IWCR was not able to host the traditional Christmas Bazaar in person in 2020 or 2021. This year on 10 November, the Christmas Tombola was held at NATO Adazi Military Base where we raised 2500 euros in less than two hours! On 20 November 2022, the Christmas Bazaar was held in person at Radisson Blu Latvija and it was a great success, there we raise about 20000 euros! We are so incredibly grateful for all of the embassies, local businesses, community, and volunteers who came to support this joyous cause! There is already a lot of buzzing happening for the Christmas Bazaar in 2023!
Contact
For further information or to schedule an interview: President IWCR Danielle Polumbo Shumksy, iwcr.president@gmail.com