It's IWA Christmas Bazaar time again!

The International Women’s Association (IWA) Johor Baru recently held its annual charity Christmas Bazaar at a section of the KOMTAR JBCC concourse.

Home-baked cakes and pastries at the IWA JB
Christmas Bazaar at KOMTAR JBCC

This was a much anticipated, one-of-its-kind bazaar where shoppers could browse around for unique items from stalls set up by IWA members from nations like Australia, Belgium, Finland, Germany, India, Korea, Netherlands, England, Scotland, the United States, Singapore and Malaysia.

The IWA Christmas Bazaar was an excellent way for members and the public to share their goodwill while they shop for useful and unique products and irresistible cakes and pastries.

Proceeds from the Christmas Bazaar 2016 will benefit the Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO), JEiWA, a NGO that provides support to abused professional women and Soroptomist International JB’s school for refugee children in Kota Tinggi.

Some products on the JARO table at the Christmas Bazaar

IWA JB has established a long-standing relationship with JARO, a local registered charity.  

Their 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.

Among the 19 tables set up in a section of the KOMTAR JBCC concourse, were previous participants like Amber Touch, amber jewelley by Jolanta Pawlowska, S & L Vintners, a range of French wines by Sylviane Siah, JARO handicrafts and of course, the ever popular home-baked cakes and pastries by IWA ladies.

A section of the IWA Christmas Bazaar

Some interesting and unique handicrafts for sale include handmade soy candles, home décor and fragrance items by Mesmerised Home & Lifestyle (Roshidah Ismail), Indonesian souvenirs and décor items by Blue Lagoon (Ani Morel), useful items like bags, pouches and décor items by Chic Living (Kati Alajarvi), jewellery and accessories by Angline’s Closet (Avril Tan) as well as décor and gifts created from seeds and plants by Seed’s Corner (Pink Liew and Hui Peng).

The wide range of Japanese handicrafts and products by Tsukuru (Machoke Kozuma) attracted a sizeable crowd that left hardly any standing room in front of that table!

A large crowd in front of the Tsukuru table!

Personal wellness items were presented in range of rejuvenating products by Jeunesse (Dru Jones and Junelle Thomson), organic products by Safiyya Mediterranean (Safiyya Farhaty) and health and aromatherapy items by Sol Wellness (Chan Cudennec).

JEiWA had a table to promote the NGO’s T-shirt, heritage cook book and health products while writer, Brenda Broster was there to promote her range of books for children and adults.

The bazaar also had a collection of outdoor toys and sports equipment for children by Black & White Trading (Maria Harkins) and even homemade dog treats by Pet Kawan (Maithreyi Pal) and the promotion of Tropical Reserve And Conservation Centre (TRACC) by Hazel Oakley.

Writer, Brenda Broster, with her range of books

IWA JB is a non-profit charity group established in May 1999 to organize fund-raising social events to contribute towards healthcare, education and other social needs here.

While IWA is helping expatriate women adjust to living in a foreign country, they know that they also have a social purpose.  As IWA becomes more aware of the needs of local charities, they are working to support them.

The IWA JB tagline, Connecting – Caring – Contributing, is a reflection of how IWA recognises its role in the community. 

Find unique items from around the world at
the IWA Chrismas Bazaar

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. 

Before the IWA was formally registered, a small group of expatriate ladies started to meet every fourth Tuesday for coffee and a small profit from the money collected will go towards charity. 

In the early days, the ladies contributed their time and effort to conduct swimming lessons for the disabled, organise Christmas Bazaars, compile a Johor Baru directory and started a toy library for needy children.  

The profit from these and other events was contributed in material goods to various charities and organisations.

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