NCB Donation Ceremony

The member nations of the Alliance and its Partners offer their national products for sale at the charity fair, which continues to attract more and more visitors every year. Together with their family members, the diplomats representing Hungary from the field of foreign affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the military participated to sell handicraft, pottery products and Hungarian food and drinks of excellent quality. Besides, during the event, several countries including Hungary were present with top-quality specialties of their national cuisine.

Close to 5000 visitors came through the doors of the bazaar, which was organized with more than 40 participating countries. Last year’s program also comprised a raffle, with prizes offered by nations and sponsors, whose the proceeds also went to the funds. Belgian charities (foundations and non-profit organizations) receive 35 per cent of the bazaar proceeds collected at the national stands and kitchens as well as the satellite events, and international charities (applicants existing in other member and partner countries) the remaining 65 per cent. Thus, some 30 applicants are supported from the proceeds every year, with a maximum of 10,000 Euros per application.

Last year the NATO Charity Bazaar raised a record total of 213,880 Euros for charity purposes, of which the Hungarian community contributed 6850 Euros thanks to the sponsors and the enthusiastic team. In 2016, a Hungarian applicant, the Bihar Surgery Foundation received a support of 8000 Euros from the money collected, so it can buy two modern multi-functional hospital beds.

The official donation ceremony was organized on 30 January, and the donations were handed over by representatives of the main sponsors. On behalf of the Bihar Surgery Foundation, General Director of the “Gróf Tisza István" Hospital Dr. Zoltán Muraközi was presented with a cheque symbolizing the support.

The ceremony not only marked the end of a support period but also the beginning of new opportunities, as the charity activities will go on. Like in every year, this year too, the closing date for completed 2017 funding applications is 1 May. Detailed information can be found at the website www.natocharitybazaar.org.

The organizations wishing to apply can contact the Hungarian national representative of the NATO Charity Bazaar at the email address [email protected].

Photo: Office of the Military Representative of Hungary