TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS REFUGEE WOMEN’S HANDICRAFTS BAZAAR OFFICIALLY OPENED IN “PROGRES” GALLERY

Belgrade, 27 November 2009 – Under the patronage of the HRH Crown Princess Katherine Foundation, the traditional Christmas bazaar of refugee women’s handicrafts, was officially opened this morning at Progres gallery located at the corner of Knez Mihajlova and Zmaj Jovina Streets.

Due to previously accepted obligations abroad Crown Princess Katherine wasn’t able to attend the opening, on her behalf a letter of support was read by Mr. Dragomir Acovic, member of the Privy Council.

In the letter Princess Katherine emphasized: “This traditional humanitarian event has taken place six years in a row and has gathered a great number of exhibitors again, really diligent and talented women, here at Progres gallery, who are showing their unique works. My Foundation is accompanying and supporting these diligent women since the beginning of this decade, and I am very happy we are meeting the same people over and over again, which is proof of the quality of their work, but also new people are coming and become members of this extraordinary group. I wish you all success for this years’ humanitarian handicrafts Bazaar and I wish all guests to have a good time and to please support these extraordinary women by buying their handicrafts”.

During the opening ceremony speech was also delivered by Mr. Vladimir Cucic, Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia, who officially opened this years Christmas bazaar.

The opening was attended by H.E. Mrs. Mercedes Felicitas Ruiz Zapata, Ambassador of Mexico, Mrs. Jeanette Koll, wife of Israeli Ambassador to Serbia, representatives of Serbian public life and numerous citizens. All proceeds from the Bazaar are in aid of refugee women and their families, and socially disadvantaged citizens.

The Bazaar will be opened every day 10.00 am to 8.00 pm until Sunday, November 29.