Paw-Sperity  Xtravaganza with 60 stalls overflow with Easter joy and Avurudu cheer

The Paw-Sperity Xtravaganza, which ushered in Avurudu cheer and Easter joy, was a treat for the entire family, where tradition and good cheer met a cause close to our hearts—Animal Welfare. 

Held on Sunday 29 March at the Atrium Lobby of the Cinnamon Grand,  in aid of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS), it was a day filled with fun, fabulous shopping, yummy food, a Kiddies Corner run by the ABC Group of Schools, a special pet centre by Browns Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, fun filled shopping, with a staggering selection of exciting goodies from over 60 stalls, perfect for gift-giving and personal indulgence. In fact there was something for everyone Paw-Sperity which actually combines the words paw and prosperity, symbolised  what this event was all about – animal welfare and prosperity for all. What’s more, the four legged Chief Guest, Little Jax, a miniature Dachshund who is disabled and is the RAS mascot, was all dressed up for the occasion in a batik sarong and neck scarf , gifted to him by well-known Batik brand Cherub.

This year in a departure from the usual, RAS had several chief guests, all of whom are supporters of their activities. “If not for them and their constant encouragement and support of all we do, our work would not be sustainable and this is our way of recognising and appreciating all they do for us,” said RAS Trustee and Co-founder Anusha David.

This year saw the Easter Bunny himself along with the Village Headman on hand to greet all visitors to the Bazaar while the Easter Bunny went one step further and even distributed carrots to a few lucky guests at the Bazaar. Rabban players kept visitors to the Bazaar entertained, while hot kavums made on the spot , contributed to the spirit of good cheer and festivity.

Ladies, gents, and kids clothing, footwear, cosmetics, both Batik as well as regular saris, jewellery, skin care, handmade Designer handbags, accessories, homemade wines, chutneys and pickles, organic foods, Xmas décor, table and bed linen, cushions, arts and crafts, stationery and greeting cards, crochet and knitted products, scented candles, perfumes, health  and gluten free foods , vegan foods , bath and body care, Avurudu and Easter goodies, a range of specialty foods from the Cinnamon Grand, household items,  and well – just about everything you need for a Very Prosperous Avurudu and a Joyous Easter were on sale.

David said she was delighted about the fact that 95% of the stall holders were those who had taken part in RAS’ first ever fundraiser the Santapaws Extravaganza which was held on 1 December 2024. 

“All the hard work, effort, and  late nights are worth it when you have people placing their faith and trust in you.”

The special Kiddies Corner, run by the ABC School was a delight and helped keep the children busy enabling  parents to shop at leisure. Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, Mehendi, Kids Sensory Play, Sand Play, Rain Gutter Regatta, Clown Game, Tin Toss, Prize Punch, an Easter Egg Hunt and much more kept kids happy and occupied. 

Proceeds from the Bazaar will go towards the RAS Animal Shelter, their street feeding programme, and the legal cases RAS fights on behalf of our elephants.

David was fulsome in her praise of the Cinnamon Grand and their other partners. “The Cinnamon Grand, the  Wijeya Newspapers Group, advertising partners Gravitas Integrated,  Zelus Consult our Social Media partners, are  Simply the Best, and words are inadequate to express my thanks to them for their wholehearted support and cooperation which went beyond the boundaries !  Indeed the Cinnamon Grand is the Best Address in Town and exemplifies Corporate Social  Responsibility which encompasses not just human welfare, but the environment and animals as well.”