In keeping with the spirit of charity that defines the Yule-tide season, the Charities Bazaar returns each year to help the city’s underprivileged with a fete on the first Saturday of december. Every year, the Charities Bazaar allows NGOs and individuals to set up stalls whose profits are used entirely to provide for those in need. The sale includes everything from handicrafts and table linens, home-made pickles and jams to old books and records.
This bazaar was started and successful run for over 30 years, by the International Women’s Group,
The event provides an opportunity for Charities from across the city to raise funds for the needy that they administer to. “It is an opportunity to use our skills and creativity to earn some money which is then used to help others,” says a representative from St Jude’s Charities, “There are volunteers from different walks of life who involve, despite their otherwise busy schedules, just for the joy of helping others.”
The Bazaar has been active for the last thirty years and their aims run deeper than just providing money for the needy. “We subscribe to the adage that teaching a man to fish is the only way to ensure that he never goes hungry,” says Paul C. Dass of Provision India, the organizers of the Bazaar this year, “The deprived have to be taught how to fend for themselves and we endeavour to facilitate this process.” Evidence of this is seen in the handicrafts, sold by Shishu Mandir—an Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre—which were made by the 32 children from the orphanage. “However, we ensure that we never end up owning the pond,” adds Mr. Dass, “ because we would rather focus on enabling the poor to develop long term self sustainability with guidance from us.”
For details on the event, contact Stephen Dass 98455 83242 (proVISION
