JB's IWA raises funds with charity bazaar

The International Women’s Association (IWA) of Johor Baru recently held their Mid-Year charity bazaar at the lobby of KSL Hotel and Resorts to raise funds in support of various local charities.

IWA JB members with freshly baked homemade
goodies at their popular Bake Sale table

Opened from 10am to 4pm, it was a one-of-its-kind bazaar where shoppers found unique items at stalls set up by IWA members from more than 25 nations including Australia, Belgium, Finland, Germany, India, Korea, Netherlands, England, Scotland, the United States, Singapore and Malaysia.

This vibrant mix of cultures and cuisines gave birth to IWA’s popular Bake Sale where freshly made breads, scones, jams, muffins, cookies, cheese puffs and healthy chia seed balls were completely sold out by the end of the bazaar.

The IWA is a non-profit charity organization established in May 1999 to organise fund-raising social events to contribute towards healthcare, education and other social needs in and around JB. 

Beautiful and useful handicrafts for sale at the JARO table

Since its inception, the IWA has raised funds to support various causes including the children’s welfare home in Saleng, the Rotary Dialysis Centre and several Tamil schools in Kulai. 

IWA has established a long-standing relationship with JARO or Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation, a charity which had a table to promote their handicrafts.  These products are created in rattan, paper and beautiful batik fabric by physically disabled artisans who are trained in various skills in the basketry, book-binding and tailoring sections of their sheltered workshop.

“IWA strives to encompass and embrace charity in all its forms – caring and contributing to the community here – which we now call our home,” said IWA JB president, Jodie George.

The IWA tagline, Connecting – Caring – Contributing, is a reflection of how IWA recognises its role in the community.  While IWA is helping expatriate women adjust to living in a foreign country, they know that they also have a social purpose in supporting the needs of local charities.

Shoppers at the IWA charity bazaar held in the
 KSL Hotel & Resorts' lobby

Established brands and vendors from JB, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur came together to promote their products at the bazaar.

They included KaNi – designs from Finland, Zari – home décor from Central Asia, Mesmerised – organic soy candles, Karitree – spa products from South Africa, S&L Vinters – wines from around the world, Safiyya Mediterranean – olive oils and health juices from the Mediterranean, Pukka Paisley – Soft cotton hand embroidered Indian clothes, Angelinascloset – fashion jewellery and accessories, Fit for life – Health supplements & creams, Rolandprime – paintings by Roland, Moniko – hands bags made from vintage Kimono and Amber touch – a range of Amber jewellery.

“The profits from this bazaar was over RM4,000,” said IWA charity coordinator, Apurba Datta, who added that it will benefit JARO, Care2Share supporting orphanages and JEiWA, an NGO that provides support to abused professional women.

IWA also expressed their appreciation to KSL Hotel & Resorts general manager, Mahadi Mathana, for their generous partnership in providing the space for the event.

IWA invites women from the international community in JB to join them as members.  Membership queries should be emailed to: iwa.johorbahru.m@gmail.com

For more info about IWA, visit website: http://www.iwa-johorbahru.org/