Family Day at the International Charity Bazaar 2024

President of the Consular Club of Ho Chi Minh City Melina Padula and 2 entrance tickets and lucky draw tickets

Three weeks before the 2024 International Charity Bazaar takes place on November 9 at The Global City, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Consular Club Melina Padula shared with Thanh Nien about the efforts of the diplomatic corps to bring this extremely meaningful event.

30th Anniversary of the Club

“After the resounding success of last year’s Gala, this year we return to the annual event that has always been a highlight in the charity work of the Ho Chi Minh City Consular Club since its inception. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the club’s establishment. On this occasion, we want to organize an open event for all participants, especially serving Vietnamese families,” said Ms. Padula.

The 2024 International Charity Fair will take place from 10am to 3pm on November 9. The club sold out all 100 booths about a month before the fair was held.

Of the 100 booths, 70 inside will sell products from many different countries. The remaining 30 outside booths will be food courts of various countries. This is because the Ho Chi Minh City Consular Club includes members from more than 20 diplomatic missions in the south, so the booths will show the colors and unique features of the participating countries.

On the evening of November 9, the Consular Club held a fundraising auction at a cocktail party with 100 VIP guests. The Consular Club sent invitations to about 22 consuls general and honorary consuls general in Ho Chi Minh City.

Proceeds from ticket sales, booth sales, sponsorships, and auctions will be used to support five charities in the South. These are Saigon Children's Charity, Newborns Vietnam, Thien Phuc Shelter in Cu Chi, Loc Thanh Shelter for the Homeless Elderly in Binh Phuoc Province, and Kanh Village, Binh Giao Commune, Chu Prong District, Gia Lai Province.

Each organization will be funded up to 150 million VND.

The 2024 International Charity Bazaar will take place from 10am to 3pm on November 9.

Tickets are now on sale.

Visitors to the fair need to buy an entrance ticket worth 100,000 VND. They can also participate in a lucky draw with many special gifts when buying a Raffle ticket (priced at 50,000 VND). There are up to 30 Raffle prizes waiting to be “won”.

Both types of tickets are on sale at The Sentry C at 15 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 and The Sentry P at 16 Nguyen Dang Giai Street, Thao Dien Area, District 2. Tickets are also on sale at the fair gate at The Global City, Do Xuan Hop Street, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City.

The organizers are expected to arrange a bus route from the center of Ho Chi Minh City to the fair. Those interested should register to follow the Ho Chi Minh City Consular Club's Facebook page to update information on bus travel times.

Ms. Padula said that to organize such a large-scale event, members of the HCMC Consular Club had to start looking for a location in February and only chose a suitable location in May. “This is the first time that I know of a fair venue that is provided completely free of charge,” Ms. Padula happily said.

As tradition, Club members voluntarily contribute and use the resources and existing relationships of the diplomatic corps to connect and seek sponsors, thereby creating greater fundraising opportunities for charitable activities.

According to President Padula, the inspiration for the Club’s volunteer work comes from the Vietnamese people. “Vietnamese people are extremely open to the international community. They always want to interact and learn more from the outside without being hindered by language barriers. This event is an opportunity for meetings and cultural exchanges so that all parties can understand each other better,” said Ms. Padula.

“The food court has many specialties from many countries, but don't forget to enjoy the two Italian gelato booths, guaranteed to have wonderful and unforgettable flavors,” she said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngay-cua-gia-dinh-tai-hoi-cho-tu-thien-quoc-te-2024-185241019103959817.htm