Assumption Christmas Bazaar: A purpose-driven bazaar
There are handcrafted wooden wonders by carpentry students from San Simon, Pampanga. There are ornamental beads strung by women from St. Luke’s to support the hospital’s indigent patients.
And there are tarts baked by nuns using a secret decades-old recipe—sought-after comfort food.
The spirit of gift-giving and shopping with a purpose comes alive once again as the Assumption Alumnae Association (AAA) holds its 28th annual Christmas Bazaar tomorrow (Nov. 14) and Sunday (Nov. 15) at the SMX Convention Center Aura.
The much-awaited bazaar brings together over 120 booths offering gifts, food, fashion, home finds and holiday treats.
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Beyond the shopping and festivities, the bazaar has a bigger purpose. It is one of AAA’s two major annual fundraising activities, with 100 of its fundraisng proceeds going to its mission schools and communities, namely the St. Martin’s, Baguio; Assumpta Technical High School, San Simon; San Juan Nepomuceno School, Malibay; Socio-Educational Center, Barrio Obrero; Assumption Passi; Sta. Rita Academy, Antique; and St. Vincent’s Academy, Lanao del Norte.
The presence of the Assumption nuns selling handcrafted products from the mission schools and the much-loved Assumption tarts are heartwarming and unique to the AAA bazaar.
“Long-time vendors often remark on the special atmosphere, where old friends catch up and encourage one another to support the participating businesses, and where ‘Old Girls’ delight at seeing their former teachers and school principals,” shares the indefatigable AAA president Marie Young.
This year, Assumpta Technical High School of San Simon joins the bazaar with handcrafted wood products made by its carpentry students. The school community was severely affected by recent rains and flooding, with parts of the school submerged for nearly two months. Their participation is an opportunity to support the school while celebrating the skills and creativity of its students.
Among the special finds are the colorful beaded Christmas tree ornaments and Marian icons handcrafted by the Women’s Board of St. Luke’s Medical Center, with 100 percent of their proceeds supporting St. Luke’s indigent patients.
Shoppers can also discover the beautiful crocheted dresses of Milvidas, made by women from Gawad Kalinga, providing another opportunity to support livelihood and entrepreneurship.
A much-loved tradition is the participation of jubilarians, who created their own merchandise to raise funds for the mission schools. This year’s Silver Jubilarians are bringing their special creations, while the Classes of 2002 and 2003 are already joining in as they prepare for their own milestone celebrations.
For 28 years, the Assumption Alumnae Association Christmas Bazaar has been more than a fundraising event. It is a gathering of generations, a celebration of friendship, and a reminder that the Assumption spirit lives on through service.
This bazaar is buoyed by the unmistakable spirit of Assumption alumnae, students, families and friends, who return year after year, not only to shop but to reconnect with classmates and batchmates.
After the shopping comes the bonding. And after the cash registers stop ringing, the Christmas bells start ringing for the Assumption mission schools.
This Christmas, come shop, reconnect, and be part of something bigger. There’s no denying the retail therapy, but know that every purchase is an opportunity to make a difference.
Kindness therapy, if you will.
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