By Jenny Rassaby Ryan, IWAP President (AU/US) and Barbara Woodard, IWAP Charity Director (US)
We have not kept a detailed count of all of the in-kind practical gifts and donations, but we can easily access records to show that IWAP has distributed around three million koruna in cash to Czech Charities over the past 10 years. A complete list of the Czech Charities supported by IWAP over the past 10 years is available here.
True to our aims when founded in 1991, IWAP continues to connect women from all over the world who live in Prague. Our networking creates warm friendships and opens up opportunities for us to experience Czech culture. Importantly, we also make it our priority to reach out to support the community where we live, by contributing money, energy and practical items to charities in the Czech Republic.
Choosing charities is the responsibility of the IWAP Charity Committee, which is open to all members. This committee meets monthly to assess funding requests, plan fundraisers, and follow up with charities that have received support.
The charity selection process involves close examination of the aims, financial statements and services of those applying. Organization representatives are invited to meet with the committee for a presentation and interview, and when possible there are on-site visits.
Money is raised in host of different collaborative ways as well as through corporate and personal donations. Over the years we have held formal balls, fashion shows, bake sales and silent auctions of donated goods and services. We have run raffles, produced fantastic cookbooks, sold IWAP-branded bags and umbrellas, and collected and peddled used household goods. We are proud that 100% of money raised goes directly to IWAP’s selected charities.
In 2010, the first IWAP Christmas Market was held. This popular event has continued annually since then, attracting scores of vendors of unique products and becoming a favorite ritual of Christmas shoppers. The market has established IWAP traditions of earning money through the sale of used books, second-hand household goods, home-baked delicacies and Tombola. IWAP volunteers put hours of fun into making it a success.
The 2017 Christmas Market distributed 195,000czk between two charities: ACORUS, services for victims of domestic violence, and Amelie, psycho-social services for oncology patients and their families. Previous markets have provided funds to agencies which assist youth leaving state care, Roma women’s groups, hospices, refugees, family shelters, teacher training to address xenophobia, workshops for young males at risk of sexual exploitation, and people with disabilities, among others.
Hands-on opportunities are offered to members twice a month, when IWAP ladies make sandwiches at home and then gather to deliver them to a Nadeje homeless service center for distribution. Warm socks, winter coats and used clothing are donated to the shelter during the colder months.
In 2018, IWAP has chosen to support Viteje, respite care to families of young adults with autism; SKP HOPO, residential social services for displaced families; Bator Tabor, summer camp for children with cancers and serious illnesses; and Nadeje single women’s hostel. This year’s Christmas Market will be held on December 8th.
All IWAP members and supporters are encouraged to become active players in our charity initiatives!
To find out more about IWAP charity, please consult the Director, Barbara Woodard at charity.iwap@gmail.com
