Exit News journalist and author of The Balkanista website Alice Taylor has helped to raise €730 over the weekend for survivors of the 26 November earthquake.
The Christmas Artisan Market was held at Urban Roots on Saturday and brought together a number of local artisans in one place, to sell their wares in time for Christmas. Instead of paying a fee for the table, each vendor made a personal cash donation as well as one item that was then raffled off during the event.
Vendors included Organic Shop Albania which presented liqueur made from thane and blueberries, jams, teas, and other organic local produce and Sa Pun Manufacture that showcased a selection of handmade soaps and scrubs. There were various stands from local NGOs including Made in Prison, the Johnathan Centre, and the Ideas Partnership, all the way from Kosovo. Other items on offer included resin homeware and jewelry, handcrafted hairpieces, knitwear and hand-sewn items, and jewelry crafted with semi-precious stones.
The event drew a large crowd including Albanians and internationals of all ages. Those in attendance were treated to mulled wine (warm red wine with oranges and spices) and live performances of seasonal songs by the GDQ School Choir and other local musicians.
The final tally of funds surpassed the two previous fundraising efforts by some EUR 200 and was raised via donations, raffle tickets, the sale of mulled wine, and the sale of scarves and bags designed by Alice.
EUR 700 will go to the Planter’s Seed Foundation that is working on the ground in and around the village of Vlashaj, to help those who have been made homeless by the earthquake. It will be used to provide supplies, food, and shelter for those impacted. The remaining EUR 30 plus a private donation will be used to buy supplies needed in other villages and will be taken by Alice personally when she visits those areas worst affected on Tuesday.
Alice would like to thank everyone who came, bought, browsed and contributed to such a fun and fruitful event. There will be updates posted so those who donated can see how their funds were used.
