Taiwanese fair to aid Iris’ victims
Over the last decade the nation of Taiwan has been Belize’s most generous friend and ally, providing millions of dollars in aid for projects ranging from the construction of the Southern Highway to the supply of musical instruments to our schools. This weekend, however, to help the victims of Iris, the Taiwanese will be doing more than just cutting a cheque.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
The Embassy of the Republic of China on Taiwan is sponsoring a Chinese food and crafts fair on Saturday on the embassy grounds.
Charles Tsai, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize
“The purpose is to raise some funds to donate to the Red Cross for Hurricane Iris relief. Also, some of it will go to the Police Trust Fund.”
The first of its kind event held last year raised eight thousand dollars for Hurricane Keith relief. This time, a ten thousand dollars target is set. And to reach that goal, women are making crafts around the clock. Linda Tsai says the pieces are hand-made and take time to create.
Linda Tsai
“It takes one hour to make one because we want to control the quality so that they can last very long. So after this, we make the rings and we ask one of the lady to make the ribbons and also put some fruits on it. So later on when you take this one home, you can just open it, pin it and wear it just like a brooch. Not only for this year, but maybe it can last for a few years too.”
But crafts are not the only things that will be on sale.
Charles Tsai
“For Chinese food, this year we have more variety, including Chinese dumplings, Chinese noodles, desert and every kind of food. I believe people can enjoy their lunch on Saturday and in the meantime they also give support for hurricane relief efforts.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“It’s not only Chinese food will be on sale, last year you had fried chicken.”
Charles Tsai
“Yes, we focus mainly on Chinese cuisine, but we also have some local cuisine too. Last year the people like it and we say we will provide it.”
The fair opens at 11:00 Saturday morning on North Park Street. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
