Among the many bazaars and food fairs taking place in Abuja annually, the ASOHOM INTERNATIONAL CHARITY BAZAAR, now on its 8th year, is one of the most interesting and well-attended, with many missions (represented by High Commissions and Embassies) participating to sell food and other products from their respective diverse countries. ASOHOM, or Association of Spouses of Heads of Mission, is a non-political and non-profit organization in existence since 1993, and now has more than forty members from countries all around the world.
ASOHOM serves as a network for its members, giving them a chance to socialise while working together to support children and women in need in Nigeria. Over the years, the association has funded many projects in and around the FCT such as the construction of boreholes, donation of books to schools, donations to assist fistula surgery for women, purchase of Braille machines and other equipment to assist blind students, and renovation of an orphanage.
This year, ASOHOM is funding projects that focus on maternal and child health, and empowerment of women. Recipients of funding this year include Hope4GirlsAfrica, the Medical Missionaries of Mary, FCT School for the Blind, the Margaret Market Sanitation and Health Foundation and Development Association for Renewable Energies (DARE).
The International Charity Bazaar serves as the major fundraising event for ASOHOM and is the means by which funds are raised for its charity projects. Last year the Bazaar generated over 2.6 million naira and over 40 countries had stalls. It is a fun day filled with great food, live music and other entertainment. This year the Bazaar took place on 8th October 2011 at the Sheraton Abuja Hotel, from 10am to 4pm. Many generous donors donated prizes for the raffle this year, including Ethiopian Airlines, AirFrance/KLM, British Airways, Egypt Air and Dana Airlines.
The Executive Committee of the ASOHOM is currently under the chairmanship of Ms Libby McCutchan, wife of the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria. Other members of the Committee are: Hanneke (from Holland), Dian (from Indonesia), and Mos (from Botswana).
Below are photos taken during the ASOHOM INTERNATIONAL CHARITY BAZAAR.
More photos of the ASOHOM INTERNATIONAL CHARITY BAZAAR below.
Posted by Araceli Aipoh
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