SIWA to hold annual charity bazaar
Anne Choe, president of Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA)
By Yi Whan-woo
The Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA) will run an annual charity bazaar on Nov. 14 at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul, the association announced on Wednesday.
SIWA, a social club for women from different countries in Korea, said more than 30 embassies, spouses of ambassadors, private companies, welfare organizations and other women’s groups here will participate in the 2016 SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar.
“The annual bazaar brings SIWA, the diplomatic community and other expat organizations in collaboration to raise money to help the many disenfranchised members in our host country,” said SIWA President Anne Choe.
Justesse Gomis, the chairwoman of the bazaar, speculated that the fundraising event will be “the best place to discover wonderful international products in a good atmosphere, but also a great opportunity to help a lot of charities.”
Under the theme “Share Culture, Share Love, Share Life,” the bazaar is expected to draw over 5,000 visitors, including Koreans, foreign residents and international tourists. Admission will be free for visitors.
A wide range of ethnic cuisines and cultural products from Korea and abroad will be sold. SIWA will also invite several musical performances by acts such as the Iced Americano Trio and Camarata Music Company.
Visitors can buy raffle tickets with the chance to win prizes offered by restaurants, spas and other stores.
The funds raised will be donated to some 20 Korean charities to help orphans, the homeless, the disabled and others in need in the Korean community.
SIWA began the bazaar in the 1960s. Since then, it has raised more than 2 billion won ($1.74 million).
Established in 1962, SIWA is one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in Korea.
It has more than 400 members from over 45 countries, including Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Visit siwapage.com/major-events/bazaar or facebook.com/SIWAkorea for more information.