SantaPaws Christmas Bazaar: A Festive Celebration with a Heart for Giving

Get ready for a festive day filled with shopping, giving, and holiday cheer as the SantaPaws Christmas Bazaar, organized by Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS), takes place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Atrium Lobby of Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Starting at 10:00 AM, this exciting event is set to spread joy while raising funds for a worthy cause. 

With the US Ambassador, H.E. Julie Chung, as the Chief Guest, the SantaPaws Bazaar promises to be a delightful experience, offering visitors the chance to make meaningful purchases while supporting the invaluable work of RAS. 

Featuring 51 diverse stalls, the bazaar boasts an impressive array of products that cater to every taste and need. Shoppers can browse through clothing, jewellery, handmade designer bags, bed and table linen, children’s toys, vegan foods, Christmas goodies, footwear, perfumes, bath and body products, scented candles, macramé, knitted items, pet products, and festive décor, including bonbons and ornaments.  Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or treating yourself to something special, the SantaPaws Bazaar offers an abundance of options to make your holiday shopping meaningful. 

The spirit of giving lies at the heart of this event. Four complimentary stalls have been allocated to notable charities: 

• Indira Cancer Trust: Supporting cancer patients and their families. 
• Alzheimer's Foundation: Raising awareness and aiding those affected by dementia. 
• Sisters at Law: Providing shelter, legal aid, and empowerment to abused women and girls. 
• RICCS: Assisting individuals with hearing and speech impairments. 

This thoughtful inclusion ensures that the event not only benefits RAS but also extends its impact to other vital causes. 

A key highlight of the bazaar is the JAX DIP, a lucky dip named after the RAS mascot, Jax; a miniature Dachshund whose determination and spirit inspire all. Despite having a spine broken in three places, Jax symbolizes the resilience that RAS aims to nurture in the animals it rescues. 

Participants can contribute toys and dry food products to the JAX DIP, which will be donated to children at the Cancer Hospital and the Jinananda Children's Home in Wellawatte. This initiative invites everyone to share in the festive spirit by making a small gesture that brings immense joy to those in need. 

In addition to the JAX DIP, the RAS team welcomes donations of toys, children’s clothing in good condition, packaged foodstuffs, and other gifts. Contributions can be handed over to Anusha David, Founder of RAS, or members of the RAS team by calling 0777366737, 0779082341, or 0777585998. Every donation will make its way to the children’s ward of the Cancer Hospital and the Jinananda Children’s Orphanage, ensuring a brighter festive season for these young hearts. 

Speaking about the event, Mr. Kamal Munasinghe, General Manager, Cinnamon Grand Colombo shared, “the Cinnamon Grand Colombo is delighted to be a part of these two laudable initiatives spearheaded by Anusha David of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka. We have had a long association with Anusha and look forward to partnering with her on future endeavours too.”  The longstanding partnership between Cinnamon Grand Colombo and RAS underscores the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change. 

Proceeds from the SantaPaws Bazaar will support Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS), a charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. Through its unwavering commitment, RAS has given countless animals a second chance at life. 

Whether you're shopping for unique holiday gifts, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, or contributing to the JAX DIP, the SantaPaws Christmas Bazaar offers an opportunity to embrace the true spirit of the season; giving and caring for others. 

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 1, 2024, and head to the Atrium Lobby of Cinnamon Grand Colombo for a day filled with festive cheer and goodwill. Together, we can make this holiday season brighter for animals and children in need.