GIVES International Food and Fun Fair will be held at the iconic Canton Tower venue for the second time on Saturday, December 3.
The fair has always been one of the highlights of the Guangzhou social calendar and it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for GIVES (Guangdong International Volunteer Expat Service).
Last year, to mark the charity’s 20th anniversary, GIVES partnered with the Canton Tower, scheduling the event to coincide with the Guangzhou icon’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. More than 7,000 people attended, enjoying all the traditional treats on offer: fantastic food and great on-stage entertainment.
There is a truly international flavor to both the food and performances of the GIVES Fair, with many different parts of the expat community serving up great dishes as well as memorable stage shows. School choirs, a disabled school orchestra, bands and singers share the stage with locals who show off local culture with tai chi and Cantonese opera.
In terms of support, GIVES works closely with all parts of the international community, from consulates general to international schools, from chambers of commerce to church groups. Through these partners they attract a wide range of participants to deliver an enjoyable community atmosphere.
GIVES President Rosaline Yam, one of the founders back in 1995, says of the Canton Tower: “It is a great venue that again offers us the chance to get more people involved, offer an even greater range of food and fun, and reach out to the whole community here in Guangdong, both locals and expats. Last year was unforgettable for all those who got the chance to perform at this iconic venue.
“At GIVES, we have the motto of working ‘hand in hand,’ which means we want to work together with the local community to continue to make a real difference.
“Our current focus is to continue to make a difference in the way autism is treated here in China, and we have seen great steps forward in the past couple of years. In recent years, conferences have brought international experts and volunteers to support management, trainers, parents and of course children. Our upcoming projects will focus on the development of long-term autism education and clinical training programs to include undergraduate training for both teachers and for parents.”
GIVES works closely with a number of autistic centers across the province, including Guangzhou Zhi Ling Training School, Baiyun Autism Rehabilitation Service Center, Hai Tong Autism Rehabilitation Service Center and Tai Yang Chuan Autism Rehabilitation Service Center.
This year, the Canton Tower Christmas tree will again be lit as the sky darkens over the Pearl River, but this time by the winners of a WeChat shaking competition that will be held on the big screen.
With the Christmas lights turned on, don’t bet against a repeat appearance from Santa Claus, who enjoyed meeting young and old last year.
Raising money for charity has never been more fun, so make a date in your diary and ensure you are at the Canton Tower on December 3 to eat, drink and be ready for a very merry Christmas experience. By supporting GIVES, you too can start to make a difference.
Anyone wanting to know more about GIVES can visit www.gives.cn, where those wanting to take part in the International Food and Fun Fair can find the participation forms for both stallholders and performers.
Sat Dec 3, 11am-8pm; RMB30 for adults, RMB10 for children. See listing for Canton Tower.
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