What are you doing on Saturday 11 May between 2pm and 7pm?
Taking place at Urban Roots in Tirana and organised by myself, The Balkanista, is the second charity artisan bazaar. The first, held in December 2018 was a roaring success with several hundred attendees and over 20 artisans, we raised over EUR 500 for Food Bank Albania and Useful to Albanian women.
Hoping to recreate and exceed the success of Decembers event, the Spring Bazaar will be held in the same location, but with even more artisans. We have brought ceramics and textiles from Lezhe and Fishte, filigree from Kosovo, Tirana-based creations, and foodstuffs from all over the country. You can pick from woodwork, pottery, clothing, bags, household furnishings, souvenirs, art, resin jewellery, semi-precious jewellery, handmade soaps and much much more!
We don’t charge artisans to take part in the event, but instead we ask them to give a cash donation and one item which will be auctioned at a later date, again with all profits going to charity.
We will also be selling some delicious sangria made with wine from Vere Lundra, made just outside of Tirana. This fruity drink will be 150ALL a glass and 100% of all profits go to charity.
Food Bank Albania
Food Bank Albania do incredible work in society, collecting and distributing food to those that are living below the line of poverty. In 2018 alone, they collected over 100,000kg of food which was distributed through food parcels to a number of NGOs over the country. Food collections from supermarkets provided over 30,000 meals, as well as contributions from business food collections and other food drives.
The contribution from the Christmas Bazaar contributed approximately 800 meals for Albanian families.
Poverty and food waste are still major issues in Albania and almost one quarter of the population are close to or below the poverty line. Food Bank Albania cannot continue supporting these people without the donations they receive from local people and businesses.
Useful to Albanian Women
According to statistics from the United Nations as well as several local on-the-ground women’s NGOs, 1 in 2 Albanian women will suffer domestic abuse in their lives. This abuse can include violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, harassment, and economic abuse. Almost a quarter of 16-19 year olds have already experienced abuse from their intimate partners. In addition to this, 9 women have been murdered this year, and in 2018 over 4000 court protection orders were issued by women, against their partners, or ex partners.
Useful to Albanian Women is run by Sevim Arbana an has a number of centres across Albania. They provide support, care, training, emergency care, medical and mental care, assistance with finding work, and various other vital services to those who have or still are experiencing domestic violence. They help countless women and children by providing services that the state are failing to. They do not receive a penny of help or assistance from the government and rely on donations to keep going.
Saturday is a great opportunity to purchase locally made products and to support local or small businesses. It is also a chance to meet new people, socialise, enjoy, and contribute to two charities that are doing exceptionally important work here in Albania.
The event starts at 2pm and finishes by early evening. Please share and spread the word and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday!
You can find directions to Urban Roots here and the Facebook event is here.
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