VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi International Women’s Club (HIWC) Bazaar opened last week at Ciputra, Ha Noi, to celebrate friendly international relations and raise money for Vietnamese charities.

Photo: VNN

This year’s theme was “Green”, with support for global environmental issues high on the agenda.

“Helping the public to appreciate and look after Mother Earth is one of our goals this year,” said Co-ordinator Mirjam de Boer.

“People were encouraged to travel by bicycles go walking and wear green to the bazaar. We also demonstrated how using paper plates and cups helps recycling, and encouraged stores to sell reusable shopping bags”, she said.

About 40 countries took part in the multi-cultural event. (Photo: VNN)

More than 6,000 visitors to last year’s event brought in US$105,000, according to Mirjam.

“Last year’s bazaar was held at the same venue. We found that people were so kind, buying lots of goods,” she said.

Visitor Nguyen Quynh Trang wandered around this year’s bazaar, stocking up on arty souvenirs.

“It was interesting to visit stalls and discover specialities from different countries. My shopping day has been made so much more meaningful with the knowledge that proceeds will go to charity,” she said.

(Source: Viet Nam News)