Kuwait taking part in UN International Bazaar for world needy

Kuwait, along with some 100 other countries, participated on Tuesday in the first ever UN International Bazaar "Shop for Charity" organized by Mrs Ban Soon-taek, wife of UN Chief Ban Ki-moon, to benefit humanitarian projects worldwide. Souad Al-Otaibi, wife of Kuwaiti Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi and chairwoman of the Bazaar's Logistics Committee, told KUNA she was happy and proud that Kuwait participated at the Bazar, with food, perfumes, and handicrafts, in an event aimed at helping those in need worldwide. She said 65 percent of the Bazaar's proceeds will go to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and 35 percent to children projects around the world, including Syrian children. She indicated that preparations for this event by Mrs Ban and other committee chairwomen assisting her began last December, and was satisfied that there was a record turnout. In her opening remarks, Mrs Ban thanked Mrs Al-Otaibi and the other Committees' Chairwomen for their hard work in preparing the event which was attended by Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson on behalf of the UN Chief, who is on an official visit to China. Organizers said the first contribution announced was USD 5,000 from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Countries from all over the world and organizations participated with exotic foods, handicrafts, as well as exciting raffle prizes worth USD 70,000, including airline tickets to Fiji and Dubai and other destinations. Eliasson said he was impressed by the international treats and gifts displayed, but was even more impressed by the crowd's compassion, solidarity, and care, adding that CERF will be able to prevent delays and avoid an immeasurable amount of human tragedy