Craft market makes for an exotic Christmas

FRIDAY, NOV. 16: Exotic arts and crafts from the far reaches of Nepal and Uganda could make for original Christmas gift ideas this year.

The Kathmandu Christmas Market will have an array of unique gifts on sale with all the net proceeds going towards the Bermuda charity the ISIS Foundation. The charity works with communities and local partners to promote the wellbeing of children and families in serious nee in Nepal and Uganda. Organizers the Kathmandu Kids Club will, for the first time, stage the event on the fourth floor of the Washington Mall. Jon Beard will host both the live and silent auction, which will feature a wide range of handpicked, authentic and original artisan crafted items and alluring paintings from Uganda and Nepal. An original painting by local artist April Branco will also be raffled.

There will be music and entertainment by the Bermuda School for Music, the African Dance troupe Bermuda Donquili and Vibe 103’s DJ Chubb.

KatKids event manager, Francesca Cacace, said: “This event held above the City of Hamilton will transport you to lands far away for an experience not to be missed.   “2012’s Christmas Market features new twists, flavours and treasures and provides plenty of opportunities to find “one of a kind” gifts, all for a brilliant cause.

“Get into the Christmas spirit in international style with mulled wine and carols and the exotic sights and sounds of Nepal and Uganda.  Stroll shopping for gifts through a variety of themed market stalls shopping including Nepalese and Ugandan arts, crafts, beautiful beaded and silver jewellery, plus a new incense shop and tea stall with tastings.”

Sharon Beesley, Co-Founder of The ISIS Foundation and President of the Kathmandu Kids Club, said “While we hope that people come to support the market financially, attending the event is also a wonderful way to gain an understanding of the work in which a Bermuda charity is involved in Nepal and Uganda.” she said. 

“ISIS has been able to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands in Nepal and Uganda, thanks to the generosity of Bermudians.  We are very grateful for the support of Kathmandu Kids Club which has been fundraising for The ISIS Foundation for over six years.

The Christmas Market takes place on Friday, November 30, from 5.30pm until late. There will be happy hour drink prices all evening and low $10 cover charge. To find out more about the Kathmandu Kids Club, you can visit their website at www.kathmandukidsclub.com. Tickets can be bought online in advance on www.premiertickets.bm or from the ISIS Law Office on Crow Lane & Mambo on Reid Street. While there will also be tickets on the door for purchase for cash only from 5.30 p.m. on the 30th, the organisers strongly recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as tickets are limited and Kathmandu Kids Club events have sold out in the past.