On 28 January 2021, the President of the NATO Charity Bazaar, Mrs Szabina Baros met with the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff, Lieutenant General Hans-Werner Wiermann to receive funds collected in 2020.
Meeting with the President of the NATO Charity Bazaar, Mrs Szabina Baros, Lieutenant General Wiermann handed over a check for €600. The funds were raised in December 2020 – by the General’s executive staff and independent offices – to support the mission of the Bazaar. Since its creation in 1967, by the wives of NATO military officers, the NATO Charity Bazaar has endeavoured to support charity projects in Belgium and in NATO countries. “The funds raised by the NATO Charity Bazaar allow these projects to in turn help local communities, at risk populations, children and disabled people. The work you do is admirable and I am proud of the long history that exists between our two institutions”, declared Lieutenant General Wiermann.
This year’s edition of the NATO Charity Bazaar was organised virtually due to the COVID restrictions and collected € 133.137. The funds were raised through a series of initiatives organised by the 42 participating nations, Allied and Partner countries as well as unique donations, like the one provided by the NATO International Military Staff. The money was distributed to 10 Belgian projects and 19 International projects. “The NATO Charity Bazaar is a unique event that enhances the cohesion between Nations and staff at NATO. People from different background and cultures come together and work together to raise funds in hopes of helping people all around the world. The NATO Charity Bazaar exemplifies the values put forth by NATO”, concluded the Director General.
The official NATO Charity Bazaar donation ceremony, also virtual, was held on 29 January and gathered representatives of the participating Nations, the receiving charities, sponsors as well as members of the NATO Charity Bazaar Board.