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This year the fair will take place in a different way than usual. Due to the quarantine, the charity event will be transferred from Vilnius City Hall to the Internet space and its duration will be extended.
According to the organizers, the idea of postponing the fair for next year did not arise, because the continuity of traditions in this indefinite period is extremely important. “Traditions played an important role in early human communities. By repeating rituals, people often find peace and security because it allows us to know exactly what awaits us. It connects us indirectly in time with those who once thought of the future and , at the same time, with future generations. This gives us strength, which is especially important in crises and unusual situations, such as this pandemic “, says Andrea Kedmenec, director of the Vilnius International Women’s Association, president of the Organizing Committee of the Event and wife of the Croatian ambassador in Lithuania.
Andrea Kedmenec
In compliance with all safety requirements, the opening of the fair was attended by a limited number of guests who actively contribute to the fair: Andrea Kedmenec, Director of the Vilnius International Women’s Association and Chairperson of the Fair Committee Christmas (wife of the Croatian ambassador to Lithuania), Birutė Vizgirdienė florist ambassadors Blankets Petruškevičius, Lithuanian-American, public figure Lidija Rasutis.
Event participants were received remotely by the country’s first lady, fair patron Diana Nausėdienė, who donated her Christmas wreath to this year’s fair.
During the event, with the help of M. Petruškevičius, a festive and symbolic wreath was produced. It is a wreath that symbolizes the vision of the Vilnius International Women’s Association: to build a stronger community and to use its strengths and talents to help those in need.
Birutė Vizgirdienė and Petruškevičius Blankets
The need for support is record
This year, a record number of requests for assistance were received, even six times more than usual. As the organizers note, the needs described show that people are feeling the effects of the pandemic and many people are experiencing considerable hardship.
“This year, more than ever, we feel obliged to help vulnerable groups in society, help improve their daily lives and show that they are not alone and forgotten,” say the organizers. The funds raised during the fair will traditionally be donated to fifteen Lithuanian organizations concerned with the welfare of children, women, the disabled and the elderly.
“We are grateful to the entire team and members of IWAV for their tremendous help in sharing their experiences to help overcome all the challenges and bring the charity fair to a virtual space. This shows once again that by working together all mountains can be overcome ”, says the head of the organizing committee.
The virtual fair presents the traditions of their countries from 18 countries, and international schools and the International Association of Women also attend.
“Let life gradually return to normal and the pleasure of communication become part of everyday life. Let’s try to brighten the daily life of others by giving us gifts and happiness. Let’s not forget those who can help you with your purchase. All funds will be allocated only to them “, – wishes A.Kedmenec.
Christmas items that create a festive atmosphere can be purchased online from December 1 to 22: iccb.shop
Inauguration of the International Christmas Fair / Photo by Paulius Peleckis / Scanpix / AP Photo
Inauguration of the International Christmas Fair / Photo by Paulius Peleckis / Scanpix / AP Photo
Thanks to the funds raised during the fair in 2019, 10 supported organizations successfully implemented projects and thus improved the well-being of children, women, the disabled and the elderly. Support was provided to the VA Caritas “I Am” community, St. Teresė’s Families, Mol Hometai District Alanta Nursing Home, Vilnius Home for Children with Developmental Disabilities-Help Center “Family Valley”, Crisis Management Center, St. Rock Hospital, Visaginas Social Services Center, “Vilties Centras” Charity and Support Foundation, “Feniksai” Multiple Sclerosis Society, Šiauliai Nursing and Palliative Care Center.
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