By Jay E. Kim
Contributing Writer
Even though Korean society faces an aging population, skyrocketing divorce rates, domestic abuse and a widening gap between the rich and poor, it is comforting to know that Koreans are not alone in looking for solutions to these problems. The women of the expatriate community are joining in the fight, using creative ways to do their part in making things better for those in need here, one event at a time.
The Seoul International Women's Association (SIWA) has been working for almost 50 years to enhance the lives of expatriates in Korea and to support domestic causes. The nonprofit organization supports more than 30 charities on an annual basis, reaching out to Koreans in need of help such as orphans, homeless children, broken families, abused women, the sick, the elderly and AIDS patients.
Jay Kruytbosh, Second Vice President and SIWA & Diplomatic Bazaar Chairperson, said in an interview with The Korea Times, ``Our main mission is to provide food and fuel as the Korean government does not fully support the needy. We not only get requests for food and fuel, but also education, medical and hospital care. The elderly are the loneliest and we try to make their remaining years enjoyable.''
At the request of many charity groups, SIWA started two major fundraising events with all proceeds going toward Korean charities: the Charity Bazaar, which started in 1970, and the Casino and Silent Auction night, which started five years ago.
The annual Charity Bazaar first started as a means to provide foreign goods to expatriates at a reasonable price, but soon grew into an open event for families to shop for unique things, try new foods, watch live entertainment, take part in games, bid in auctions and win prizes to raise money. The upcoming bazaar will be held on Nov. 18, Sunday, at the Grand Hilton Hotel.
By 2002, SIWA had so many sponsors that one day of fundraising was just not enough. In order to meet this demand and cater to older professionals looking for a classier event, the Shanghai Nights and Casino event was launched.
That time of year has come around again, and the busy SIWA volunteers are pulling together ``The Shanghai Night Silent Auction and Casino'' for this Saturday. A fresh change from traditional balls, with a Chinese buffet dinner, lots of drinks and live entertainment, participants will be provided with the opportunity to give back to the Korean community by playing casino games.
A live silent auction is also on the agenda. GM Daewoo's latest model ``Gentre'' tops the auction list this year, among airline tickets, hotel stays, 30_year_old malt whisky and much more. For the silent auction, cash biddings or casino game winnings can be used to purchase sports packages, ski resort stays, concert tickets and dining for a year in Seoul. Sponsors have added to the list of such luxury goods as beautiful furniture pieces, jewelry, MCM bags, Chanel and Sulhawhasoo products, to help raise funds for needy causes.
Last year, SIWA donated more than 250 million won to various charities. When asked about this year's goals, Kruytbosh said that the organization hopes to do even better and raise more. She said ''these popular events have become recognized as one of the leading opportunities in Korea for the community to work together to support a wide range of South Korean charities. The diplomatic and business communities as well as the Korean Government can come together with SIWA to raise much needed money for these charities.''
The Shanghai Nights and Casino Charity event will also be held at the Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul, on Nov. 10, Saturday, at 7 p.m. For more information, visit
.