International Christmas Charity Bazaar goes virtual from today

The popular International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB) 2020 edition is now on virtually till 1 December given the COVID-19 pandemic but what is on offer is greater and the objectives of the event, turning 40 years, remain the same.

The International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB), has been held annually in Colombo since 1980 and is organised by a committee of local and expatriate ladies residing in Colombo.

The ICCB became popular for people to purchase seasonal goodies and food items which were not readily available locally, the proceeds earned from these sales are donated to many local charities with the focus on long term projects to make a difference by means of adopting selected charity projects for longer periods of time.

While shoppers are able to get their hands on much coveted Christmas goodies, they are also able to partake in the true spirit of giving which is an integral part of Christmas.

“This year we have the privilege of the HSBC Bank joining hands with us as our new title sponsor, we look forward to this new partnership in taking the Christmas bazaar to new heights,” a spokesperson said.

The 2020 event’s full list of sponsors are HSBC – Title sponsor; Galle Face Hotel – Venue partner; Wijeya Newspapers – Media partner; Studio plus One – Creative partner; Anim8 – Printing partner; Shopbox – Web partner; TNL now – Radio partner and Chatham Luxury – Raffle sponsor.

For the first time ICCB being online will allow customers to shop in advance from the comfort of their homes and collect their goods or have them delivered. We are thankful to our web partner Shop box for coming on board this year to make this possible. The HSBC ICCB will continue to adapt, all in the name of charity.

To shop those interested can visit iccbsrilanka.shopbox.lk from 10 November till 1 December.

The ICCB Raffle is a much anticipated one as it does not disappoint when it comes to its prizes with gifts valued at Rs. 50,000 and over. This limited draw has only 1,000 tickets available.

1. Cartier Tank Américaine Watch courtesy Chatham Luxury

2. Two nights at Tanamera Estate Galle, Thalpe, Full Villa (6 Pax) BB

3. Diamond Ring courtesy Alankara Jewellery

4. Diamond Pendant courtesy Colombo Jewellery Stores

5. Luxury Cosmetic Creams Set

6. Illy capsules coffee machine limited edition courtesy Ceccato Colombo

7. One night at W15 Hanthana Estate, Kandy DBL/FB

8. One night on Ocean Diamond Yacht, Mirissa DBL/FB courtesy of Sail Lanka

9. Spa Ceylon Limited Edition Festive Gift Hamper

10. Luxury Leather Weekender courtesy of Lanka Leather Fashion

11. Two nights at Cbeyond Nilaveli, DBL/HB

12. Gift Voucher courtesy The Little Gym of Colombo

13. Gift Voucher courtesy Galle Face Hotel

Charities supported

The biggest beneficiary in 2020 has been AppeLanka which is a rural development project that empowers six districts in Northern Sri Lanka. Appe Lanka works to bring drinking water to the schoolchildren of Poonakary.

The Ride a Bike to School project which is also run by Appe Lanka is essential to keep children from dropping out of school. The ICCB is very happy to have funded 30 bicycles and drinking water infrastructure thanks to the kind sponsorship of Spa Ceylon Luxury Ayurveda.

“We are proud to be able to play a part in supporting the IDE School, which exists to help empower and educate children of different intellectual abilities. Our donation this year covers the school’s rental lease for 12 months,” the spokesperson said.

Emerge Global is another charity that the ICCB has had the privilege of supporting. Emerge Global provides educational programs and opportunities to girls who have survived sexual abuse and are in the process of bringing their attackers to justice. They run a shelter and offer training in various vocations of their choice, empowering these young women. The ICCB is supporting the Emerge shelter this year, and sponsoring two participants.

“The ICCB is proud to say that we have continued to fund LAF’s (Lanka Alzheimers Foundation) activity Centre in 2020. Formerly known as Project Reach, the Sudhaar Foundation has a new initiative this year – training women from an impoverished part of Colombo to make healthy and nutritious meals both for their own families, and to generate income by selling meals to others. A purpose-built kitchen will be created for this, one that can allow multiple women to learn and cook at the same time. The ICCB was extremely pleased to be able to contribute towards this Culinary Project.”

Another charity that the ICCB has been a part of for many years is Ease. Ease works to empower, educate, support and advocate for persons with disabilities. One of the few organisations in Sri Lanka that helps those with autism to learn how to communicate and ‘ease’ their lives; EASE continues to helps many children every year to realise their full potential. The ICCB funds cover a part of the rent for the Ease centre. “The Indira Cancer Trust and Perpetual Help Convent are also charities that they have supported.

“The ICCB committee is always striving to do better and to bring as much relief as we can in our capacity to help deserving charities.”