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Travel the world at the UNWG Festival Bazaar

The Local Austria
The Local Austria - [email protected]
Travel the world at the UNWG Festival Bazaar
Photo: UNWG

An annual highlight in Vienna’s social calendar in the run-up to Christmas is the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) International Festival Bazaar. The Local caught up with UNWG President Diana Oyugi to find out more about the charity event.

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Admission is free for the all-day event at the Austria Center on November 28th and it’s a great opportunity to pick up beautiful gifts from around the world, and sample food and drink from 80 different countries. UNWG President Diana Oyugi gave us the low-down on what to expect this year.

What's so special about the Festival Bazaar?

Visitors can expect a lively and festive atmosphere at the International Festival Bazaar, an opportunity to travel the world in one day.  Every year, we make great efforts to improve and offer a diversity of experiences for our visitors. It is personally gratifying to see all of the amazing volunteers come together to support children of the world who have far less. In addition, it is equally gratifying to see the huge crowds patronizing the bazaar and therefore supporting the Guild's course of helping needy children all over the world.

What are the aims of the Bazaar?

The 47th International Festival Bazaar carries on the proud tradition as the UNWG’s largest fundraiser of the year. The UNWG is excited to bring together international and local communities under one roof at the Austria Center in Vienna. The celebration will include international cuisine, drinks, gifts, entertainment, crafts and exhibits with the goal of raising money for children’s charities around the world.

The funds raised from the International Bazaar, as well the many and varied activities carried out by Guild Members on a voluntary basis, are channelled into projects to improve the lives of deprived children in all corners of the world. In 2015, €229,111 was donated targeting 17,754 children in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Northern Africa, as well as United Nations co-action activities. The assistance provided falls into the following categories: education (49 percent), health (25 percent), water and sanitation (13 percent), special needs (9 percent) and shelter (4 percent).

Is there a fundraising target?

At every UNWG International Festival Bazaar, we raise as much as possible through the generosity of our partners, major donors and donors, along with the community of participants, volunteers, stallholders and exhibitors.  While the Bazaar is our main fundraiser of the year, there are a variety of UNWG sponsored activities that take place throughout the year to raise money for the charity fund.

Looking ahead - does the UNWG have any exciting plans for next year?

We look forward to using the funds raised in 2015 to fund meaningful projects around the world through our 2016 charitable program. The UNWG Vienna is proud that our efforts help to make the world better for children in need. When we join hands to help children, we know we can make a difference.

The Bazaar could not happen without a dedicated team of volunteers, led this year by Bazaar Chairwoman Josefina Diaz Menendez (Spain/Venezuela). The UNWG appreciates her hard work and leadership. 

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