The Christmas Bazaar is a charity event that attracts thousands of people every year. (source: SITA)
CURIOSITY and the chance to help charity was the most frequent reason cited by those attending the annual Christmas Bazaar in Bratislava’s Stará Tržnica market place on November 23, according to the ČTK newswire.
The International Women’s Club of Bratislava (IWCB) organises the event to raise funds for charities across the country that assist abused women or the physically disabled. In recent years, it has raised more than Sk1 million (about €33,194).
“We came here to see the customs and traditions of various ambassadors. And we would also like to support the poor,” said Marián, a middle-aged resident of Bratislava.
He was referring to the handmade items and delicacies presented at the bazaar by representatives from about 30 embassies.
“I would like to learn more about what is typical for specific countries,” added Jakub, a student.
For some, the bazaar has become a tradition.
“I come here every year to meet my friends and acquaintances,” Natália Balážová said.
And Anka, another visitor, said: “Even though I don’t buy anything, I contribute to a good cause by paying the admission fee.”
Last year, the IWCB donated Sk150,000 (€4,979) raised at the bazaar to reconstruct windows at a nursing home in Veľké Kapušany, and another Sk100,000 (€3,319) to purchase a minibus for a dance club for the physically disabled.
Other popular annual fund-raising events include Hodina Deťom (An Hour for Children), which collected about Sk9.5 million (€15,000) last year for orphanages, and Dobrá Novina (Good News), which raised about Sk17 million (€564,000) last year for education and development programmes for children.
