International Christmas Charity Bazaar on 24 November

The International Christmas Charity Bazaar (ICCB) will be held on 24 November at the Galle Face Hotel, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

The ICCB has been held annually in Colombo since 1982 and is organised by a committee of local and expatriate ladies residing in Colombo. It is an event which is much anticipated by Colombo dwellers as a kick-off to the festive season and is also a fabulous testament to the many different communities which call Sri Lanka home, both permanently and temporarily!

Since starting in the 80s, the ICCB became popular for people to purchase seasonal goodies and food items which were not readily available locally.

Spa Ceylon Ayurveda will be the title sponsor for the fourth year running. They have donated directly to the charities supported and adopted by the ICCB.

Each year, the committee aims to out-do their event from the previous year to better serve the visitors who appreciate the wares. This year for their patrons’ convenience the bazaar will run from 12-4 p.m. as the event gets bigger and better in every sense.

This event is not just about buying. The committee aims to increase the collection with each year in the true spirit of the season of giving and it is the charities and their communities who will benefit most importantly from the success of the bazaar.

Meetings have been successful with 22 countries participating, countries like Italy, France, India, Spain, South Africa and Australia to name a few.

Spa Ceylon ICCB funded three ‘little hearts’ in 2019, which ensures that three little babies are given a new lease of life.

Some of the other charities that have greatly benefited this year are Ease and Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation.

ICCB is also happy to be able to contribute to Trail Sri Lanka who launched a project to build and strengthen ethnic harmony.

Charities are adopted for a significant period of time to ensure the committee is able to make a difference by supporting a particular project of each charity supported.

In addition, Spa Ceylon ICCB carries commitments to smaller charities which are supported such as the Convent of Perpetual Help.

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 and one such charity we have been able to lend our support to this year is Apé Lanka, we have donated 50 bicycles and funds for water filtration systems in Poonakary through the donation of title sponsor Spa Ceylon.

The Bazaar includes a Lucky Dip which has always been a big attraction at all the previous bazaars with each try being priced at Rs. 200 with a growing multitude of prizes to be won. 

All gifts for the Lucky Dip have been kindly donated by participating countries, charities in the form of hampers and gifts and also from companies, individuals and committee members.  

Spa Ceylon’s own lucky dip which was introduced last year will be taking place again this year. This will give our patrons a chance to walk away with their amazing luxury products.

Raffle is the ICCB’s other big focus. Sponsored by Qatar Airways, with gifts valued at Rs. 50,000 and over this limited draw of just 1,000 tickets sees their first prize to be two economy class tickets to any Qatar Airways destination in the world.

2nd Prize – Chopard Imperial watch from Chatham Luxury.

3rd Prize – Two nights at Four Seasons, KudaHuura, Maldives.

4th Prize – Two nights at Santani Wellness Resort and spa.

5th Prize – Two nights at Nisala Villa, Sri Villas.

6th Prize – White gold and diamond ring courtesy of Colombo Jewellery Stores.

7th Prize & 8th Prize – SK ll set of essence luxury gift se

9th Prize –Diamond earnings courtesy of Alankara.

10th Prize – A bottle of Dom Perignon vintage Rosé 2004 courtesy of Lanka Premium Beverages.

There will be more prizes consisting of luxury hotel stays, vouchers and an Illy espresso coffee machine.

Tickets are available via committee members, participating countries, charities, and also at select Spa Ceylon outlets. The ticket price includes a Rs. 500 voucher offered by Anim 8. 

All proceeds from raffle tickets, sponsor donations and the funds collected by the countries from their sales will benefit local charities.

Apart from Spa Ceylon Ayurveda which is the title sponsor, Galle Face Hotel is Venue sponsor, Studio Plus One is the creative partner

Wijeya Newspapers is the media partner, Anim8 is the printing partner, Elysian is a sponsor and Qatar Airways – raffle sponsor with the donation of the first prize.

The ICCB Committee is a group of ladies both expatriate and local who are committed to organising an event of quality which is non-commercial. They personally ensure that every cent raised from the bazaar, through each avenue, goes to a worthy cause. Each of the causes are assessed/visited by the committee and donations are made towards specific needs by each charity.