A very successful collaboration

Islamabad: It’s gratifying to see friendship and caring coming to the fore among different groups so that they can carry out activities that not only are entertaining but aimed at raising funds for causes that are dear to their hearts. In this context the Islamabad Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA) and the Corps of Service Attaches Ladies Association (COSALA) collaborated to bring a fun filled event to donate the proceeds to the Mashal Model School for underprivileged children in Bari Imam.

The event was held at the Serena hotel and well attended by visitors from opening to closing time – the music and the jostling crowd reminding of such bazaars that used to be quite common before security concerns put an end to their frequency.

Inaugurating the bazaar, wife of the ambassador of Belgium, president IFWA, Mookda Mairue Verheyden and wife of the Defense Attaché of Maldavia, president COSALA, Khadheeja Zeena addressed the gathering of early visitors together, extending them a warm welcome. “We are delighted to welcome all of you to our Annual Bazaar,” they said speaking in turn. “Our aim is to help the under privileged and destitute women and children of Pakistan and empower them. We agreed to raise funds to contribute to Marshal school as we believe children’s education is of the utmost importance for the development of the country. The funds will be used to give the children of the school a better learning environment and we are proud to be part of this.”

Giving a brief history of the school and why she established it, director of the school, Zeba Husain thanked the organizing committee of the fundraiser and expressed her gratitude to all the people who spent their time and energy to raise the funds which will benefit Pakistani children.

In conclusion Mookda thanked Serena Hotel and all the IFWA members, especially the Executive Committee, while Zeena thanked IFWA for giving COSALA and all the members - especially the VP - for their support in making the event a success. “Your contribution to this noble cause is indeed going to be highly appreciated by many people,” she said.

The bazaar had been very well arranged and there was something for everyone - young and young at heart - commercial stalls as well as those put up by embassies, so there was a variety of items for shopaholics or those who wanted to buy a gift for themselves or their friends/family; a food court of cuisines from different countries There were also stalls that were there just to do public relations and let visitors know they existed, so it was also an opportunity to get to know them and their work. The only thing missing was seating spots for the elderly, which to some extent was alleviated by the chairs in front of the stage.

Yes! Like the proverbial cherry on the cake, there was entertainment as well, a plus point not many people were expecting, so it was a pleasant surprise. A show had been organized in which different countries showcased their cultural traditions with dance and music, while volunteers of the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation acted out a skit to create awareness on drug abuse. This cultural show was ongoing along with announcements of prize winners – both on entrance tickets and a raffle. It was a satisfying way to spend a Sunday, while contributing towards the welfare of children, thanks to all those who worked diligently to put the event together.