For the first time ever, the annual Kathmandu Kids Club (KatKids) Christmas Market event will be helping people right here at home, as well as children in foreign countries.

In previous years KatKids has given all the funds from the popular market to the ISIS Foundation, a locally registered charity that helps children in remote parts of Uganda and Nepal.

“This year we will branch out and not give all the funds to ISIS,” said volunteer Kim Selley. “We will give all the funds from the door entry fee to the Eliza Doolittle Society, a charity that feeds the hungry in Bermuda, many of whom are children. We realise we need to do stuff for children at home as well. Going forward we will start involving Bermuda charities that benefit children.”

The market will provide an opportunity for people looking for unique Christmas gifts to offer their friends and family, as well as the opportunity to help people in need. Ms Selley thought the jewellery from Uganda and Nepal would be popular with Christmas shoppers.

“It is usually very popular,” she said. “The jewellery is made of beads and silver and from Uganda and Nepal.”

Event Manager, Francesca Cacace promised that the market would transport people from the City of Hamilton to “lands far away” for an experience not to be missed.

“Get into the Christmas spirit in international style with mulled wine and carols and the exotic sights and sounds of Nepal and Uganda,” Ms Cacace said. “Mingle and shop for gifts through a variety of themed market stalls. Shopping including Nepalese and Ugandan arts, crafts, beautiful beaded and silver jewellery, plus an incense shop.”

Vibe 103’s DJ Chubb will be providing festive holiday music. A silent auction, will feature a wide range of handpicked, authentic and original artisan crafted items and alluring paintings from Kampala, Uganda and Kathmandu.

“The unique atmosphere of the KatKids Market, happy hour drink and food prices all evening and a low $10 cover charge, make this night one you absolutely should not miss,” said Ms Cacace.

Sharon Beesley, Co-Founder of The ISIS Foundation and President of KatKids, said: “While we hope that people come to support the market financially, attending the event is also a wonderful way to gain an understanding of the work in which a Bermuda charity is involved in Nepal and Uganda.

“ISIS has been able to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands in Nepal and Uganda, thanks to the generosity of Bermudians,” said Ms Beesley.

The Christmas Market will be on Friday (November 22), from 5.30pm to 9.30pm in the City of Hamilton on the fourth floor of the Washington House (Entrance on Church Street between Gibbons Home and CellOne).

Tickets are $10 and can be bought online at www.bdatix.bm or from the ISIS Law Offices on the fifth floor of Andrews Place, 51 Church Street Hamilton, from Mambo which is now located in the old Sail On location in Cellar Lane, on the Front Street level of Walker Arcade, and the Smoke Shop in Washington Mall. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for cash only from 5.30pm on Friday.

For more information about the Kathmandu Kids Club and The ISIS Foundation, and The Eliza DoLittle Society see their websites at www.kathmandukidsclub.com, www.isisgroup.org and www.elizadolittle.bm.