Wives of diplomats in Korea gathered Wednesday to celebrate the efforts of Seoul International Women’s Association to raise more than 2 billion won ($1.7 million) for Korean charities in just over 30 years.

The Italian stall at the last SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar was also recognized for raising some 12 million won for Korean charities.

“SIWA is very important for all the diplomatic spouses. There is a real sense of community,” said Maria Giovanna Fadiga Mercuri, wife of the Italian ambassador to Korea, Sergio Mercuri.

She first helped with the bazaar when her husband was posted at the Italian Embassy here 25 years ago, selling food to bring tastes of her homeland to Korea. 

“It is like Proust’s madeleines for me,” she said of the memories foreign foods could bring. “The bazaar is a very good opportunity to show our country’s products and culture, especially being so far away from Korea. Our food is very requested here.”

SIWA, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, benefits more than 30 Korean charities each year through the SIWA Welfare Program.

SIWA president Terri Hartman said: “We couldn’t do it without the help of the ambassadors and the ambassadors’ spouses who work tirelessly to bring goods from their countries to Seoul and the bazaar. They put in a huge amount of effort to make this something really special for Korea.”

Fiorella Kupfer Montefiori, who is married to the Swiss ambassador, was also recognized for collecting the second-largest cash amount at the bazaar. The German Women’s Club and the New Zealand stand were also praised for each raising the third-largest amount of money. The event, which was held in Seoul late last year, attracted about 40 different foreign missions donating their profits to local charities.

The final amount to be raised has not yet been calculated as some money is still to be collected.

Causes to benefit from SIWA have included Chungju Seongmo School for the Blind, New Light John’s House, St. Benedict’s Sheltered Workshop for Young Women with Disabilities, Francisco Home for the Elderly, Seton Shelter for Immigrant Women, Maeshil Orphanage, International Mongolian School, Peace House, Seoul Shelter for Women, Emmaus Center, Love Diner for the Elderly, Asia Multicultural School and Myongdo Workshop Shelter.

SIWA will also hold a 50th anniversary luncheon at the Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on May 9. The organization is also looking for members to stand on various committees and help out with future charity events.

For more information go to www.siwapage.com.

By Kirsty Taylor  (kirstyt@heraldcorp.com)