Information about the Christmas Bazaar 2011

  1. What is the Christmas Bazaar? This year the bazaar will be held by the International Women’s Club of Bratislava for the 21st time.This event is Bratislava’s biggest international fund-raiser.Foreign embassies are invited to set up stands selling food and other wares from their countries,with all proceeds going to charitable organizations in Slovakia.
  2. When is the Christmas Bazaar? Sunday November 20th from 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m.

  1. Who is involved? The International Community, organizers from embassies (including most of the ambassadors) and the International Women’s Club of Bratislava.
  2. What is the size of this event? In 2010 we had over 4,000 visitors, 38 national tables, 10 charity tables, 4 schools with children’s activities, participation from the Rotary and Lions Clubs and many more sponsors who offered their services and know-how.
  3. Who does what? The embassies organize their national goods to sell at tables. They find sponsors for merchandise and donate the proceeds to the IWCB. The IWCB is responsible for the entire organisation of the day itself , including preparation of the venue, the decoration, tombola, insurance, ticket sales etc.
  4. What happens with the money raised? All profit from the 21st annual IWCB bazaar will be donated to approved charity organizations throughout Slovakia.The IWCB Charity Committee assesses the applications it receives, and considers the specific needs of the charitable organizations, before recommending who will benefit from these funds.
  5. Why is there a Christmas Bazaar? The origins of the IWCB began when a  group of expatriate ladies decided to organize a charity

event to give something back to the community they lived in. It is the

biggest fundraiser and is a wonderful opportunity for countries to

introduce themselves with their products and national dresses to the

Slovak public. For companies it is an excellent means of promoting

their products, especially since the bazaar is a well known,

and highly publicized event covered by all the main media.