21 Nov. 2004 Eng./Fr.

NATO Wives Bazaar 2004 The 36 th edition of the now well-known NATO Wives Bazaar, which took place on 21 November 2004, raised the magnificent and impressive sum of Euros 102 776,32 In 1967, the IMS Wives’ Group was created with the principal objective of fostering relations in NATO’ international military community. In addition to their regular monthly activities, the first Christmas Bazaar was organized in 1968 and the total proceeds were donated to a Belgian charity in recognition of Belgium’s hospitality as NATO Headquarters’ host nation. For some years now, the number of participating nations has increased as have the proceeds, and leading us to extend donations to international, charitable organizations. The Bazaar is a major social event on NATO’s calendar, and is habitually held under the patronage of NATO’s Secretary General, NATO’s Deputy Secretary General, the Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee and their spouses. The articles sold at the Bazaar represent a selection of specialties from each participating country. Every nation has its own Stand from which it sells national produce, either hand-made by the ladies or imported from their home country. In addition, a selection of national culinary specialties and refreshments are served in the Bazaar’s International Restaurant and in the Cafeteria. A giant tombola is also organized, with magnificent prizes offered by the participating nations. In 2004, 31 NATO nations were represented: 26 Member nations and 5 Partnership for Peace nations. The amazing success of the 2004 Bazaar is the result of much investment and dedication on the part of numerous volunteers from each country, together with the kind support of the NATO Fire Services, Security Services, and General Services, together with the NATO Graphics Studio, the personnel of the Aramark restaurant, and the NATO Staff Centre. On Monday, 31 January 2005, the proceeds of the 2004 NATO Wives Bazaar were officially donated to the designated charitable institutions, during a coffee morning, graciously offered by the NATO Staff Centre. Mrs. Kujat, wife of the Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee participated in the meeting, which was presided by the Vice-President of the IMS Wives Group, Mrs. Raggio. The profits of the 2004 Bazaar were distributed on the basis of 50% to Belgian charities and 50% to international charities, each one receiving between Euros 6,400 and Euros 13,000. The designated charities are the following: Belgian Institutions: International Institutions De Stobbe B.Z.N. (Antwerpen) Tsunami 12-12 Onze Nieuwe Toekomst (Gent) Medecins sans Frontieres Huize Eigen Haard (Aarschot) Chain of Hope Foyer General Cornet (Nivelles) Mobile School Residence Emile Rolland (Mons) CBM Vision 2020 Heidehuis (Brugge) Friends of Kwango La Maison des Gais Lurons (Champion)   Make a Wish Foundation (Turnhout)   Les Compagnons Depanneurs (Bruxelles)   The NATO Wives Bazaar is a magnificent, unique, multinational and multicultural event. It is a wonderful demonstration to the world that in 2004, 31 countries, hand-in-hand managed to raise over Euros 100,000 in just one day: and all in the name of charity.