Singapore, 23 September 2017 – Hundreds of representatives from diplomatic missions, local and international enterprises, schools, and volunteers banded together for humanity at the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) International Bazaar 2017, held earlier today at Suntec Convention Centre. Last organised in 2015, the signature fundraiser featured more than 50 stalls (stallholders listing in Annex A) that showcased an array of food, beverages, products offerings from all over the world. The bazaar was declared open by guest-of-honour Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs & Manpower.
In his opening speech, Mr Tee Tua Ba, Chairman of the Singapore Red Cross, shared, “Today, we are proud to present a fiesta put together by close to 20 diplomatic missions and 50 groups, including corporates, civic groups, schools and friends of Red Cross. We have come together, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, with one common purpose - to serve humanity and save lives.”
His sentiments were echoed by H.E Lee Sang-deok, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, "Singapore Red Cross leads the way to plant seeds of hope in people's mind and to safeguard the power of humanity. In this regard, the International Bazaar will give us an opportunity to learn benevolence, giving, and sharing."
Aptly themed ‘Together for Humanity’, the bazaar was a truly global extravaganza featuring international cuisine, local delights, traditional goods, and more. Global highlights included delicacies like Arabian chicken kabsa rice, Ceylon tea, Japanese sake, Korean kimbap, glazed fried chicken, Qatari jareesh, Swiss cheese raclette, Ukrainian chocolates, coupled with uniquely Singaporean offerings such as pastries, gourmet ice cream and limited-edition Tiger Balm sets that are exclusive to the bazaar.
High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, H.E Nimal Weeraratne, said, “The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore is pleased to be a partner and join Singapore Red Cross in celebration of its signature biennial fundraiser event.” The High Commission put up a Ceylon Tea Promotion counter showcasing Sri Lanka’s unique premium quality fine Ceylon Tea.
In addition to patronising the various stalls, members of the public were also treated to a visual feast with all-day cultural and musical performances by friends from Greece, Indonesia, Japan and Sri Lanka. Other crowd favourites included a dog show, magic show, cheerleading show, as well as games stalls and activity booths designed to engage attendees of all ages,
At the International Bazaar, Mediacorp artiste Ya Hui also made her first public appearance as the Singapore Red Cross’s latest celebrity ambassador. During the event, Ya Hui held a mini autograph session for those who have purchased the limited edition Singapore Red Cross bears, and also auctioned off some of her personal items to raise funds for SRC. Emphasising the significance of giving back to society, Ya Hui quipped, “Charity is not just about donations. It's about the joy and laughter you bring to people.”
Through the International Bazaar, SRC targets to raise $200,000, All proceeds will go towards supporting the local humanitarian services of the Society to help the disabled, elderly and vulnerable within the community. These include the Red Cross Home for the Disabled, TransportAid, ElderAid and FoodAid.