Singapore Red Cross Holds International Bazaar to raise funds

Singapore, 25 October 2009 – Representatives from more than 20 different countries gathered at the Royal Thai Embassy today in the International Bazaar, held biennially by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) to raise funds for their local humanitarian work.

More than 8000 visitors turned up at the Bazaar, enjoying a day of wining, dining and live entertainment. Guests-of-honour President S R Nathan and his wife, First Lady Mrs S R Nathan, graced the Bazaar with their presence.

Members of the expatriate community joined in the festive atmosphere and as they ate, drank and bought items found only in their countries.

Mdm Afrah Al-Faddaghi is from first-time stallholder the Embassy of Kuwait, whose booth sold Kuwaiti products such as kaftans, ornaments, homemade sweets, as well as food and beverages. Besides being a first-time participant, the Embassy of Kuwait is also new in Singapore.

“We would like to announce to Singapore that we are here!” she exclaimed. “It is a nice experience to show our culture in Singapore. Now people can travel to Kuwait without paying for the ticket!” continued the wife of the ambassador of Kuwait, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al-Adwani.

Representatives from Brazil, the Embassy of the Federative of the Republic of Brazils are seasoned participants in the Bazaar but for Miss Marga Weissheimer, it is her first time taking part. Along with other Brazilian expatriates, she sold Brazilian cuisine barbecued meat, cakes, a sugarcane drink native to Brazil called Caipirinha, swimwear from Brazil and the trademark Havaianas sandals so popular among beachgoers all over the world.

“We are so excited about the huge event. It feels really good to represent my country in Singapore. I would probably take part in the next bazaar.” said Miss Weissheimer, who has been living in Singapore for three years.

The local community also jumped on this occasion, with more than 100 Singaporean clubs, groups and associations participating.

Representing Singapore, the 501st Garrison was easily identified in their Star Wars costumes. Also known as “Bad Guys Who Do Good”, various members of the group specially formed to mingle in national and non-profit events were dressed as Stormtroopers and Imperial Royal Guards – iconic villains from the Star Wars franchise.

The group is recognised by Star Wars creator George Lucas and is part of an international organisation formed for this charitable purpose.

Genevieve Jeffs, the chairperson of the International Bazaar, addressed the crowd and the bazaar organising committee.

“Before we embarked on this project, we had no idea what a difficult economic year this would be. But I am both glad and proud to note that the ladies and gentlemen of our organizing committee worked hard to overcome the situation we faced.” she said.

Visitors were entertained by an international lineup of live musical and dance performances, such as rhythmic Cha-cha, exotic belly dancing and lively ukulele numbers. Some visitors walked away with goodies from lucky draws held throughout the day, while others tried their luck with game stalls run by various secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

The Bazaar is now considered a flagship fundraising event for the SRC, beginning 15 years ago in 1994. 2009 is a special year for SRC as it is the organisation's 60th anniversary and the Bazaar is held in conjunction with its 60th anniversary events. They include the Red Cross Carnival (held 1 August 2009 at Playground @ Big Splash), the SRC 60th Anniversary Dinner (held 11 September 2009 at the Singapore Swimming Club) and the SRC's Together for Humanity Exhibition (ongoing till 30 October, held at the Atrium @ Orchard).

SINGAPORE RED CROSS SOCIETY