Sveiki! Welcome to Vilnius!
The International Women's Association of Vilnius (IWAV) is a charitable organisation and support group that unites international and local women living in Lithuania. In 2020, IWAV members celebrate the 22nd anniversary since the official registration of the association in 1998.
History
In 1992, against the backdrop of a newly independent Lithuania, a small group of expatriate women, living in Vilnius, took the initiative to form a women's group. Alongside a rapidly expanding international community, group membership increased culminating in 1998 with its official registration as the International Women's Association of Vilnius (IWAV).
From the beginning IWAV members strove to create opportunities for friendship and networking within the group. Monthly meetings were held and interests were shared. Members began to attend events together and developed regularly occuring activities. Thus began our long held tradition of gathering together to socialize and share activities with one another. The types of activities have often changed year to year as they adapt to the changing dynamics of our ladies but the tradition continues today to build strong, life-long friendships and lasting memories.
During those early days the first tentative steps were taken to become involved in the Lithuanian community by contributing to the work of local charities. In 1999 the women held a small product fair to raise money for local childen's charities. Its success led them to organize a much larger event featuring charitable organizations and their products. The overwhelming success of this event led to the the first annual International Charity Chrstmas Bazaar (ICCB) in 2003. Fifteen countries and ten children's charities participated, raising 18,000 euros! Since that humble beginning the ICCB has enabled the International Womens Association of Vilnius, with the support of official sponsors and the international community, to raise over 580,000 euros for needy children, women, elderly and the handicapped in the Lithuanian community. The event has become the unofficial start to the Vilnius Christmas Season.
In 2009, IWAV members became aware of the comparatively high rate of Lithuanian women whose breast cancer was not diagnosed until it was in later stages of growth. The ladies took action by partnering with Roche Lietuva to provide biopsy needles for testing though an annual fund raiser. Blossoms of Hope, a charitable auction and dinner gala, was born. In 2012 IWAV chose to expand the event to cover purchase of breast markers - a product which was not used in Lithuania until that time. Today, Blossoms of Hope continues to be an important part of the fight against against breast cancer in Lithuania.
In addition to the International Charity Christmas Bazaar and the Blossoms of Hope the International Women's Association conducts charitable works throughout the year. At each monthly coffee donations are collected to support smaller needs of the community. Donations of items are collected for various charitable organizations in Lithuania. While on a much smaller scale than IWAV's primary charitable events these efforts provide a much needed service throughout the country of Lithuania.
Over the years IWAV has warmly welcomed women from many parts of the world and was further strengthened and enriched by participation of Lithuanian women as well. The members' diverse cultural traditions were appreciated with much enthusiasm, leading to the fostering of mutual respect and lasting friendships. Nevertheless, members did not fail to appreciate the oftentimes harsh realities of a country in transition and the strength with which Lithuanians met that challenge. Today, thanks to the sustained interest and dedication of its members, IWAV is a firmly established group with healthy roots in Lithuanian society.
From the beginning IWAV members strove to create opportunities for friendship and networking within the group. Monthly meetings were held and interests were shared. Members began to attend events together and developed regularly occuring activities. Thus began our long held tradition of gathering together to socialize and share activities with one another. The types of activities have often changed year to year as they adapt to the changing dynamics of our ladies but the tradition continues today to build strong, life-long friendships and lasting memories.
During those early days the first tentative steps were taken to become involved in the Lithuanian community by contributing to the work of local charities. In 1999 the women held a small product fair to raise money for local childen's charities. Its success led them to organize a much larger event featuring charitable organizations and their products. The overwhelming success of this event led to the the first annual International Charity Chrstmas Bazaar (ICCB) in 2003. Fifteen countries and ten children's charities participated, raising 18,000 euros! Since that humble beginning the ICCB has enabled the International Womens Association of Vilnius, with the support of official sponsors and the international community, to raise over 580,000 euros for needy children, women, elderly and the handicapped in the Lithuanian community. The event has become the unofficial start to the Vilnius Christmas Season.
In 2009, IWAV members became aware of the comparatively high rate of Lithuanian women whose breast cancer was not diagnosed until it was in later stages of growth. The ladies took action by partnering with Roche Lietuva to provide biopsy needles for testing though an annual fund raiser. Blossoms of Hope, a charitable auction and dinner gala, was born. In 2012 IWAV chose to expand the event to cover purchase of breast markers - a product which was not used in Lithuania until that time. Today, Blossoms of Hope continues to be an important part of the fight against against breast cancer in Lithuania.
In addition to the International Charity Christmas Bazaar and the Blossoms of Hope the International Women's Association conducts charitable works throughout the year. At each monthly coffee donations are collected to support smaller needs of the community. Donations of items are collected for various charitable organizations in Lithuania. While on a much smaller scale than IWAV's primary charitable events these efforts provide a much needed service throughout the country of Lithuania.
Over the years IWAV has warmly welcomed women from many parts of the world and was further strengthened and enriched by participation of Lithuanian women as well. The members' diverse cultural traditions were appreciated with much enthusiasm, leading to the fostering of mutual respect and lasting friendships. Nevertheless, members did not fail to appreciate the oftentimes harsh realities of a country in transition and the strength with which Lithuanians met that challenge. Today, thanks to the sustained interest and dedication of its members, IWAV is a firmly established group with healthy roots in Lithuanian society.
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