The International Women’s Club of Sarajevo (IWCS) announces the Holiday Spirit Bazaar, “Celebrate Our Colorful World,” on 13 December 2009, from 12 noon until 18:00, at DOM MLADIH, SKENDERIJA.

 

Previously held in Unitic Towers, the Bazaar has grown exponentially over the years and requires a larger and more central location. For the 2009 edition, Dom Mladih and the IWCS have partnered to continue the Holiday Spirit Bazaar in its 10^th year. Holiday Bazaars are also held by international women’s clubs in multiple cities worldwide.

 

This multilayered and inclusive event is an established tradition for launching Sarajevo’s holiday season, and celebrates the diversity found in both the local and international communities. More importantly, this premiere event raises funds for IWCS’s Humanitarian Action Committee (HAC), which has actively supported projects for under-privileged individuals, war veterans, families and communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1998.

 

Patti English, wife of U.S. Ambassador Charles English, commented at a recent IWCS meeting: “To give is invaluable, but at the same time we should not forget our objective: that it is not about 'us', rather it is about the people who we help and who for now cannot help themselves.”

 

Embassies in Sarajevo generously join in the fun and creative atmosphere by enticing visitors to their tables with their national products, delicacies and unique cultural traditions, and then donate the proceeds to IWCS for humanitarian projects. Most participating Embassies have a longstanding partnership with the IWCS Holiday Spirit Bazaar, and each year build on the successes of years past.

 

Not to be outdone, commercial vendors contribute their best by showcasing and selling their products and services, and non-governmental organizations highlight their programs and raise awareness of the work they are doing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  

The Bazaar also boasts a Grand Raffle, featuring prizes such as airline tickets, audio-visual equipment, jewellery, hotel vouchers, appliances, gift baskets, and more. The ever-popular Sugar & Spice table of baked goods is always a palette-pleaser, and the Mix and Match section of new and nearly new items reveals unexpected treasures. Shoppers can find the book they never read or the movie they never saw in Act II: Books, Magazines, DVDs, and CDs, and discover a unique, one-of-a-kind gift at the Simply Handmade table. And last but certainly not least, children wile away the hours in the Kids’ Korner, engaged in creative games and activities while parents browse, shop, and savour the delights of the Bazaar.

 

This event is made possible by the efforts and energy of a myriad of volunteers from the IWCS and students from local Sarajevo schools. Students assist Bazaar planners in every facet of Bazaar organization, from manning the entrance to selling Grand Raffle tickets.