Dear members,
I wish you and your families that you are all well and healthy. We are all experiencing this year to be special and very unpredictable.
Following COVID-19 prevention guidelines sometimes can feel like a little challenge. Depending where you, your friends, and families live, you may know only a few people who have come down with COVID-19, even though the numbers are on a raise. Distancing efforts have increased, however human beings are naturally social animals.
The trick is to balance physical distancing with social connectedness. Maybe it helps remembering things we did together, it can bring back fond memories, and it can also encourage to look into the future.
Due to the current situation we will not hold our traditional International Christmas Bazaar. However, that this does not stop us from organizing an annual fundraiser for charities in Latvia. At times like this, charities and non-profit organizations are often hit hardest. But fortunately, there are ways we can support others.
We think outside the box, and came up with an alternative concept: The International Christmas Journey. We continue our commitment, and raise funds – supported by foreign ambassadors with their teams, families, a strong international community, and local businesses:
- Online Auction from Dec 6th until 11th – we will offer valuable goods and intercultural experiences through an online bidding process, supported by BEREC.
- Advent Calendar: Each door takes our visitors from Dec 1st until 24th to cultural experiences around the world. Available at a donation of EUR 5.00 (or more).
- A live Christmas Tombola at the military base (every ticket wins).
- A series of smaller cultural events like traditional cooking classes, walking tours (in line with health regulations only).
- Cash Donations to our Bank account “Rigas Starptautiskais Sieviesu Klubs” with reference: Fundraiser2020.
For sure, this year’s fundraiser is a lot different than usual, same as the entire year. It requires us all to step out of our comfort zones, acting and thinking differently.
At the same time it shows us also how important it is to stand together in times like this. It is our aim to offer the opportunity to enjoy cross-cultural experiences, to represent the various countries, and to collect funds despite this year’s circumstances.
Let’s all do our part this year by emailing and sharing the link with family and friends instead of working at the bazaar as usual – Share the calendar through email, Facebook, What’s App, Instagram or other channels.
