The International Women’s Club of Riga is an international group of women offering friendship and supporting local charities.
One of the most important events in the club is our Annual Christmas Bazaar, which brings together a lot of national communities from different countries. Many people are involved in organizing this grand event. We are very grateful to every volunteer helping to make this event a reality and raising money for local charities.
We are thankful to our member Andrea Babčanová, one of our volunteers who helps to organize our annual fundraiser this year. Due to the current situation we will not hold our traditional and popular International Christmas Bazaar. However, while the discovery of the world seems out of range at the moment, we invite our visitors on an “International Christmas Journey”.
We talked with Andrea about her experience and being a member of IWCR.
IWCR: Andrea, you are a IWCR member for a while. How did you find out about the club, and what we do?
Andrea: I knew about the Club from my previous time in Latvia (2010-2014) when I was not a member but I was also involved in organizing Bazaar. I knew what the Club was doing and found it meaningful. This time, I decided to become a member from my first days in Latvia cause I just wanted to be more engaged.
IWCR: Why do you want to give to our organization? What motivates you to be involved?
Andrea: What drives me is the core essence of the Club – not only to receive but to the contrary to contribute to the community around us, to assist and help others to grow.
IWCR: What would you like to pass on to the community and future generations?
Andrea: Each community is as strong as its weakest element, only inclusive democratic society can grow into happiness, for me it’s not a cliché, I believe in it strongly. Giving equal opportunities to everyone, no matter what her or his background is, is a key to healthy society. Coming from a post-communist country I know what I am talking about. 🙂
IWCR: Would you share with us your favorite experiences in Latvia (a place you like most, a dish, an event, music, culture etc.)?
Andrea: I love Latvian calmness, admire their connection to nature, adore their cuisine from Lido to the finest restaurants that honor local seasonal ingredients, and find that Latvians have a strong sense for beauty. My favorite place is probably the coast and the forest next to it. Speaking about urban areas, of course old Riga and art nouveau district are beautiful but Agenskalns is close to my heart together with old industrial areas of Riga.
One of the most magic moments I´ve experienced in Latvia was a concert in K.K. fon Stricka Villa and Ligo celebration in Aluksne.
IWCR: Can you share a little bit about yourself? What is your profession, hobbies, what have you done before, your cultural background.
Andrea: I am cursed by being married to a diplomat. 🙂 I have been following my husband since I got my master degree in international relations in 2003. In between his postings, I was working in private sector and lately for the International Visegrad Fund which is an international organization established by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia with a seat in Bratislava, financing common projects of these four countries in all possible areas, to explain in simply.
I am passionate about fine arts, design, cinema, literature, theater, nature and yoga…I am happy I can find all of this here in Latvia. 🙂
From December 6th until 11th visit the online auction platform to do your Christmas shopping while sitting at home. The auction offers highly valuable goods and intercultural experiences through an online bidding process. Preview the items to write your shopping list: https://www.iwcr.lv/christmas-bazaar/iwcr-christmas-journey-2020/online-auction/
Our virtual IWCR Advent calendar takes you on a daily fun-filled journey which will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit! Each day takes you to a cultural experience around the world – recipes for traditional foods, master piece of music, a virtual travel tour, discounts to local experiences, or entrance tickets for local businesses.
Get the IWCR Advent Calendar at a donation of EUR 5.
Traveling is one of the best ways to enjoy the arts and the vibrant gradient of cultures from around the world. While the discovery of places around the world seems out of range at the moment, the IWCR members invite the local and international community to be a tourist across the nations – while staying in Latvia. Visitors will enjoy an international experience with the Online Auction in early December.
Meet our members
Thank you Andrea for taking the time for this interview, and for your enormous support you give to IWCR. We are very grateful that you support the organisation of this year’s International Christmas Journey.
The interview was prepared by Elena Tezhe, Coordinator Communications, and Kerstin Steinberg, President of IWCR.
It is very interesting to learn more about our members. If you like to read more.
Meet Vija
Meet Kristine
Meet Iveta
Meet Emilie
