Text Anna Pia Hudtloff
The alluring whirl of notes disappearing into the counting machines, piles of Dong covering the giant table – this looks more like a bookmaker or some dubious gangster operation than an honorable charity event. But smiles are broad and laughter flies around the room as relieved volunteers count the tangible result of months of hard work; these are the last minutes of the HIWC Charity Bazaar and every one of the many notes is earmarked to help poor and needy women and children in Vietnam.
As money piles up, inevitable and good-natured competition among the countries is marked. But nobody is asking who made the most money, nobody is asking which booth did best. The questions asked are: “How did the Danes do?” “Did anyone beat the Danes?” “How much did the Danes make??”
The combined efforts of the generous Danish companies and the hardworking Danish volunteers have created the standard that other countries measure their success against. Now the best earning country table for the fifth year running, the Danish contribution is something to be proud of: this year we made 185 million Dong!
185 million Dong – this is an awesome contribution, which will make a tangible difference in the lives of people around us. Heart operations, clean drinking water, support to battered women and HIV-Aids victims, vocational training, help for handicapped children and minority students…the list of projects made possible by this bazaar is long and the thank you to the volunteers, to the Danish community and in particular to the generous Danish companies is no smaller.
As foreigners in a country where needs are still great and poor people still left to fend for themselves, it is indeed a good feeling to know that we have once again made it Christmas – The Danish Way.
Thank you to Gold Sponsors Alfa Laval, Carlsberg, Lego, Mascot, Oi Soi Oi, Savai Group & Spinning Sandlau, to Silver Sponsors Grundfos & MT Højgaard, to Bronze Sponsors A&W Fine Furniture, Danmon Asia, Esoftflow, FL Smith, Khanh Anh Ceramics, HITC, Prime Cargo, System Cleaners & Topas Ecolodge and to Co-sponsors Bang & Olufsen, Donkey Bakery, Grontmij Carl Bro, Oasis & Pure Heaven.
Thank you to the Danish Community and Merry Christmas!
The Organizing Committee
