SPLASHES of red and green added to the festive spirit during the recent Association of British Women in Malaysia (ABWM) Christ-mas Bazaar.

Though boughs of holly were missing from the Berjaya Times Square Hotel and Convention Centre Ballroom where the annual bazaar for charity was held, Malaysians and foreigners were seen thoroughly enjoying the early ode to Christmas.

A shopper looking at the baskets woven by single mothers using recycled newspaper and magazines.

More than 100 stalls were set up in the area with association members and vendors selling an assortment of goods, clothing, books, shoes, handicraft, knick-knacks, freshly baked cakes, puddings, muffins and cookies. Tickets for the bazaar, held from 11am to 3pm, were sold at RM10 each.

ABWM members were dressed up in a myriad of costumes from all over the world, befitting this year's theme, "Around the World." The aim of the event was to raise as much money as possible for Malaysian charities.

Many donned Santarina hats and urged visitors to the bazaar to buy beautifully wrapped Christmas stollen and fruitcakes kept moist under foil wrap. Mince pies were cut up for tasting and generously offered to prospective buyers.

The bazaar also featured stalls set up by various charities like the Shepherd's Centre Foundation and Salaam Wanita where products made by single mothers from recycled items were sold. Young autistic artist Yeak Ping Lian's paintings were sold in a corner.

A young boy trying his hand at Capoeira, the fusion of dance and martial art from Brazil to traditional Brazilian music.

The Capoeira demonstration brought the crowd to the stage area where children and teenagers presented the fusion of dance and martial art from Brazil to traditional Brazilian music. Choir groups also entertained everyone.

Children who walked into the bazaar for free were treated to exciting carnival games outside the ballroom area. A tattoo and face painting booth offered the little ones a chance to get their own temporary tattoos in the spirit of fun.

A bouncy castle was set up in the activity corner to keep the more energetic tots busy as their mothers browsed through the bazaar in search of gifts and Christmas goodies. Santa was nearby too to hear if they had been naughty or nice.

Besides helping out at the bazaar, ABWM members volunteer their time and services regularly at selected charities.

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