Charités
The annual Bazaar, organized since 1968, is a charity sale and the social event of the year within NATO’s international community. It is held under the auspices of the Secretary General who is the principal patron of the event. Participants in the annual Bazaar are the Members of the Alliance as well as the Partner-for-Peace nations. In 2009, 34 nations will be represented, 26 NATO Members and 8 Partners.
At the Bazaar, each nation represents its country and has a national stand, at which merchandise and/or handicrafts are sold that are typical of the country. There is an International Restaurant in which countries may participate by providing food, cakes, drinks and coffee. A giant Tombola(Raffle) is also part of the Bazaar. Wonderful prizes are offered by participating nations and their national sponsors. In addition these stands, there is an Artists’ Corner where all artistically gifted NATO staff (painters, sculptors, etc.) can, if they wish, exhibit and sell their works of art.
In 2007, the Bazaar raised more then 157,000 Euros.
All funds raised by the NATO Wives Bazaar ASBL are donated equally to Belgian and International Charités (50%/50%). The Charités pre-selected by the Board are visited by a team of member volunteers of the association (apart from International Charités). The members vote on the final list of charities.
