Cheese, chocolates & kimchi

Head down to Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza this Sunday for a taste of the flavours of the world and more at a Singapore Red Cross (SRC) fundraiser.

You can try Vietnamese spring rolls, Swiss raclette, Sri Lankan teas, Korean kimchi, Ukrainian borsch, and exotic Brazilian chocolate truffles called brigadeiro at some of the 80 stalls at the Plaza.

You can also look forward to handicrafts, games and round-the-clock cultural performances.

Put together by diplomatic missions, civic groups and local and international enterprises, the Red Cross International Bazaar, which is held once every two years, aims to raise funds for its local humanitarian services.

Ms Claire Lecomte, president of Swiss Association Singapore, said: "There will be a lot of Swiss cheese and chocolates at our stall. And of course raclette, the most famous Swiss dish."

It is a dish of melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions or some bread.

Mrs Elena Granguillhome, wife of the Ambassador, said that instead of handicraft and traditional food, the stall she is manning will be selling wines, beers and cocktails like the margarita, a Mexican classic.

Their beers will be sold at $8 per cup and margaritas at $10 per cup.

"Next time I'll prepare something for the kids as well," Mrs Granguillhome added with a laugh.

Fashionistas might find a bargain, too.

Mrs Rosana Serra, wife of the Brazil ambassador, said: "The Brazilian community in Singapore will be selling their used clothes to raise funds. So there's going to be a fashion show to showcase these clothes."

"Rich Kid of Singapore" Kane Lim will also be selling his new and used fashion items at discounted prices.

The SRC hopes to raise $250,000.

BETTER LOCATION

Mrs Genevieve Peggy Jeffs, organising chairman of the bazaar, said: "I'm quite confident we'll be able to meet the target because the location is better this time."

The last bazaar in 2012 was held at *Scape.

Mr Benjamin William, secretary general of SRC, said: "Besides fund-raising, the bazaar also helps to educate the public on what Singapore Red Cross does.

Many people are unaware that the primary purpose of Red Cross is to help the vulnerable in Singapore, and not just to provide humanitarian aid during disasters overseas.

"It is a symbolic event that brings together both local and international organisations under one roof, at one place for a common cause."

andreas@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on March 11, 2015.
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