‘Tis the season for giving

(From left) Nanne, Holmes and Reaves showing the promotional flyer on the association’s 31st Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar on Nov 3.

CHRISTMAS is often called a season for giving, and what better way for Christmas shoppers to give back to the community than at a Christmas charity bazaar?

This year, the American Association of Malaysia (AAM) has made it even bigger and better for its 31st Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel on Nov 3.

AAM president Wanda Holmes said the bazaar would sell a wide variety of items from jewellery and handicraft to clothing, linen, artwork, toys, food items and holiday decorations.

“It’s a wonderful shopping experience and people really look forward to this event to do their Christmas shopping every year,” said Holmes.

The association has set aside 107 tables for vendors and 23 tables for charities. Charity organisations whose applications to participate in the bazaar were approved will each be given a table for free. Participating vendors and charities will get to keep 100% of their sales.

Bazaar director Mona Reaves said 100% of their net profits would be channelled back to local charities.

“It’s a wonderful way for everybody to make money for their causes,” said Reaves, hoping to support a variety of causes including helping refugee children, abused women, marine mammals and more.

Women members of AAM will also contribute through a bake sale with all proceeds being donated to selected local charities.

With more effort being put into marketing through various media and cross-promotions with other expatriate organisations this year, AAM hopes to see a turnout of at least 700 shoppers.

AAM events director Jill Nanne said the pre-holiday season event would be an opportunity for the expatriate community to start buying Christmas gifts, especially if they plan to return to their homeland for the holidays.

“As a shopper, you also know that you’re helping to do something good because everything is going back to the local community,” Nanne added.

To add to the holiday atmosphere created by the festive music and decorations, shoppers who bought raffle tickets can walk away with prizes donated by each of the vendors.

The AAM 31st Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar runs from 10am to 3pm at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel on Nov 3.

Entry tickets are priced at RM30 and can be purchased in advance by e-mailing to [e-mail] or on the day of the event at the entrance.

Those who are interested can visit the AAM Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChristmasBazaarMalaysia where they can see a preview of some of the participating vendors and the their products.