The traditional charity Christmas Bazaar of Handicrafts, which HRH Crown Princess Katherine and her Foundation organized for more than two decades, was officially opened today at Galerija Shopping Centre in Belgrade. Total revenue from the sale of handicrafts is designated to help refugee women, socially disadvantaged ladies, as well as children with difficulties in intellectual development.
TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine, due to urgent and important obligations abroad, were unable to attend the opening ceremony, as they do each year, but Prof. Dr. Ida Jovanovic, member of the Royal Medical Board, read Her Royal Highness’ letter. The opening ceremony of this manifestation was attended by Ms. Biljana Rakić, Assistant of the Minister of Family Care and Demography of Serbia, Ms. Ana Đunović, Head of the Department for Reception, Care and Housing Needs of the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Sava Stambolić, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Serbia, Ms Andrea Kiralj Horvath, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economy, Mr. Boban Birmančević, State Secretary at the Ministry of Public Investments together with representatives of other ministries of the Government of Serbia, as well as Their Excellencies, Ambassadors of Australia, Mr. Daniel Joseph Emery, of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr. Juan José Sanz Aparicio, together with other representatives of the diplomatic corps, Mrs. Andrea Pavukova, the President and members of the International Women’s Club, and many others.
Crown Princess Katherine thanked Ministries of the Government of Serbia and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration for the traditional support that Governmental bodies give this Bazaar, and she also said: “Each year, the creativity and skilfulness with which the handicrafts are made amaze each visitor of this Bazaar, as everybody at first sight can see how much efforts, work, patience, and above all, love is put into the displayed items. What is especially important is the fact that together we can do something big and important for others, that with our joint efforts, we are making a difference, which is the best prize one can get.
Christmas is traditionally seen as a family holiday, a time when we deliver presents to our loved ones, when we also share our hopes and dreams in our wishes for a better future. My wish is that we reduce the suffering, that we offer a helping hand to those in need, to bring them comfort and support them with everything we can. As this is the time of giving, it is the perfect moment that we all feel and share The Joy of Giving, and what can be a better Christmas present than the one with which you are not just bringing happiness to the one who receives it, but also to those who made it, and to their families as well.
These women were compelled to leave the security of their homes and continue their lives far away from them. Thanks to their handicrafts, they have supported their families during the most difficult times. No matter what kind of difficulties they faced, how hard the times were, what kind of obstacles they had to overcome, they continued being the strongest pillars of their families. These women are so brave and strong, and they always were, they are a role model and inspiration to us all.”
The Bazaar will continue to be open for 2 days – on Friday, 6 December 2024 from 11 am to 10 pm and on Saturday, 7 December 2024 from 10 am to 10 pm.
HRH Crown Princess Katherine and her Foundation have been encouraging, for over 20 years, the work of these outstanding women who need to support their families by selling their beautiful handicrafts. Her Royal Highness is also encouraging children with disabilities and the schools they are attending to join this manifestation and sell their works. The Bazaar is a wonderful opportunity to purchase magnificent traditional Serbian handicrafts, buy Christmas gifts, and at the same time support the families of these women who are exhibiting their work, and help children with difficulties in intellectual development. More than 30 exhibitors are participating in this year’s Bazaar.
On behalf of Ministry of Family Care and Demography, Ms. Biljana Rakic addressed and said: ”Today we have gathered in the spirit of solidarity, creativity, joy and tradition. This event is not only an opportunity to present and sell the exceptional works of our talented women and children, but also a way to support their hard work and perseverance in the abundance of challenges that everyday life brings. And who have a special gift to present Serbia in the most beautiful way possible with their art.
For many years, the Crown Princess Katherine Foundation has successfully encouraged the work of women who, thanks to their creativity and skills, manage to support their families. These exceptional women not only create beautiful handicrafts, but also pass on the tradition and cultural heritage of our people to new generations. In this time of giving and love, I invite you to support our talented artists. By attending and purchasing, you will not only acquire unique and original gifts, but you will also contribute to the development and preservation of traditional crafts.”
As Mrs. Nataša Stanisavljević, the Commissioner for Refugees of Serbia, was unable to personally attend due to previously arranged obligations, Ms. Ana Djunovic read the Commissioner’s letter in which she wrote: ” The initiative started by Crown Princess Katherine has a profound significance, especially when it comes to the integration of people who were forced to leave their homes and start a new life. I am proud that the message of this humanitarian bazaar is in line with the one sent by the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, which is that all people who want to respect and love Serbia are always welcome.
The traditional Christmas Bazaar of Refugee Women Handicrafts shows that great people do great deeds, and these deeds remain forever remembered, because they live through them. In this way, we all together show our humanity again and help those who need it the most.
These women, with their exceptional talents and skills, represent Serbia in the most beautiful way possible. The Christmas bazaar was designed with the aim of helping displaced people, refugees and socially vulnerable people, as well as children with disabilities. All proceeds will be directed to helping them and their families,” she said, expressing gratitude to the Crown Princess Katherine’s Foundation for its humanitarian work and numerous years of support.
„It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be here today at the opening of this important Christmas bazaar of women’s handicrafts, which brings warmth and the spirit of the holidays. I am deeply grateful to Her Royal Highness for the invitation and the selfless initiative that has been bringing the community together during this special time of year for many years now.
Christmas is a time when we are reminded of true values – love, togetherness, and helping those in need – and this bazaar is a true symbol of these values. Here, we are not just buying ordinary products; we are supporting the effort and work of exceptional women, preserving our tradition, and helping children with special needs“, said Mrs. Andrea Kiralj Horvath in her speech.
HRH Crown Princess Katherine is very grateful for the kindness, hospitality, and great support of the management of the Galerija Shopping Centre in Belgrade.