On 24 January 2023, NATO HQ hosted the NATO Charity Bazaar's donation ceremony. Through a variety of activities, the 2022 edition of the NATO Charity Bazaar raised almost €188,000. Participants in attendance included the Chair of the NATO Military, Admiral Rob Bauer and the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, representatives from participating Nations, board members as well selected Belgian and International charities, who will be receiving donations to support their projects.
Opening the ceremony, the President of the NATO Charity Bazaar (NCB), Mrs Tanya Borchert and the Vice-President Catharina Konow Johannessen, welcomed representatives from participating NATO Allies and Partners Nations as well as representatives of the recipient Belgian and International charities. Addressing the National representatives, Ms Borchert commended them for their hard work, determination and creativity. "Despite some challenging circumstances, resulting of the ongoing global pandemic, we managed to redesign the Bazaar and still hold an incredibly social, warm and successful event. This would never have been possible without our National Representatives. Together, you rose to the occasion and rallied rally behind a common goal - raising funds to support eligible and worthy Belgian and International charities. With your help, this 2022 edition of the Bazaar is another resounding success", she emphasised.
Taking the floor, the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak highlighted the strong ties that unite his staff, the NATO military representatives and the NCB. "The creation of the IMS was also the genesis of the NATO Charity Bazaar. What started of a small fundraising initiative, has grown over the last 56 years, Fifty-six years later, it has grown to be, not only, a staple of our community but its charitable heart. Today, the NCB supports Belgian and International charities, with projects across the whole Alliance and beyond. Projects that benefit at-risk populations and children, provide much needed support to marginalised communities, and enable true change in the life of so many", noted Lieutenant General Adamczak.
The 2022 edition of the NATO Charity Bazaar, through a series of events, including bake sales, national sales, a tombola, and the "Bazaar" - annual market of national products -, raised €187,789.78, which will be distributed among 21 International and Belgian, for a series of projects that will benefit at-risk populations and children, provide much needed support to marginalised communities, and enable true change in the life of so many.
Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer pointed out some similarities between NATO and the NATO Charity Bazaar. "For instance, adaptability and resilience, but above all, we all share unity of purpose. We believe in the common good. And we are all willing to work for it", emphasized the Admiral. He concluded the ceremony by extending his thanks to all present, "I am very proud of the community you have built at NATO, of the much-needed support you provide to these charities and all those in need. You exemplify the values and principles of our Alliance… and I, for one, am proud to be included in this NCB family. Keep up the good work!"
