The fair displayed nearly 500 handmade products.
The fair displayed nearly 500 handmade products, including blankets and pillows; consumer goods; and interior decoration, which were made by the disadvantaged women. The event also introduced a number of unique products made from bamboo materials such as bamboo bicycles and bamboo helmets.
Nearly 150 people, who are staff-members of UN agencies in Hanoi, domestic and international non-governmental organisations in Vietnam, and diplomatic missions in Hanoi, along with handicraft products lovers, participated in the event.The charity fair, supported by Belgium Ambassador to Vietnam Jehanne Roccas, is aimed at raising funds for community development projects and creating sustainable employment for underprivileged women in disadvantaged areas in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Mekong Plus, founded by a Belgian, B. Kervyn de Meerendré, has set up two non-governmental organisations in Vietnam, Mekong Quilts & Mekong Creations.
In 2010, following on from the success of Mekong Quilts, Mekong Creations was established to diversify the product range, which includes handcrafted accessories and gift items.
The social enterprise now employs over 350 women in Duc Linh and Tanh Linh, Ham Thuan Nam districts, Binh Thuan Province; Long My district, Hau Giang province in addition to the provinces of Rumdoul and Svay Rieng in Cambodia.
Apart from direct economic benefits to the women, all profits from purchases of Mekong Plus products are used to support the wider community via development initiatives such as micro-financing, scholarships, and health, hygiene and agricultural education programs.
