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Vienna, 4 November 2024 — In anticipation of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) International Festival and Charity Bazaar set for 30 November 2024, an essential planning meeting and venue inspection was held for participating Embassies, Permanent Missions and organizations, including the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC Club Filipino). This gathering ensured that all representatives were well-prepared for the highly anticipated event at the Austria Center Vienna.
During the meeting, Ms. Kalpana Scholtes Dash, Newsletter Chair/Bazaar Site Manager, provided a comprehensive overview of all event logistics, procedures, and the program details, addressing each aspect necessary for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Following the presentation was a Q&A session which allowed participants to clarify any specific concerns and finalize their plans for the festival. UNWG Board members were on site to answer questions included Ms Cathy Kieffer (President), Ms Kavita Verma (Bazaar Chair/Restaurant Stalls), Ms Rui Qing Zhou (1st Vice President/Logistics), Ms Karissa Laughter (2nd Vice President/National Goods Stall), Ms Naeem Akhtar (Treasurer), Ms Burghild Mank (Membership Chair), Marina Balasanyn (Publicity)as well as Bazaar Committee members: Sanddhya Perera (National Goods Stalls), Anita Sahni (Restaurant Stalls), Rana Hawash Al-Masri (Tombola), Gerda Hofer (Donations/Surprise Corner), Teresa Schulte (Publicity), Karin Sturm (Austrian Charities), Nora Aubert (UNWG Drinks) and many more.
It was emphasized at the meeting that all proceeds from the Bazaar will go to the UNWG Charity Fund for the benefit of charity projects for children around the world.
The UNWG International Festival and Charity Bazaar is open to the public, free of charge, from 10:00 to 17:00 on 30 November. This vibrant, multicultural gathering offers visitors a chance to explore the unique stalls of over 70 countries, featuring handcrafted goods, artisanal products, and diverse culinary delights. Each nation’s stall invites attendees to experience its culture firsthand, all in one day.
The event will also showcase an array of entertainment, including captivating performances by children from around the world and a “Costumes of the World Parade,” a highlight celebrating the rich diversity and traditional attire of participating nations.
We warmly invite everyone in Vienna to join us for this meaningful event. Your support not only promises a day of cultural discovery and entertainment but also contributes to the UNWG’s mission of helping children worldwide.
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a member of the United Nations Women’s Guild and former Newsletter Editor in 2021 & 2022. She is a dynamic leader and influential figure in Filipino and international communities. As the Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a Board Member of ENFiD, she champions the causes of Filipino expatriates in Europe. Her passion extends to community building, as shown by her work as President of the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), Founding Member and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), adviser and former president of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), and auditor for the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC). She is also a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Liaison and Councillor for the Philippines in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), which honoured her with the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” (Global FWN100™) award in 2019.
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