Jury's Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin became a global village yesterday when hundreds of visitors took part in an international bazaar to raise funds for Pakistan following last year's earthquake.
More than 40 embassies displayed and sold crafts and food from their countries, managing to raise up to €75,000 to help rebuild an orphanage and school in Muzaffarabad, one of the worst-hit areas.
Goods for sale included cashmere cardigans from France, soaps from Oman, Pakistani silver, cheese and wine from Croatia, sushi rolls from Japan and crisps and candles from Ireland. The stalls were operated by staff from the various embassies and their families.
The event was organised by Nausheen Ahmad, wife of the ambassador of Pakistan, Toheed Ahmad. She said that she was overwhelmed by the support received from Ireland following the earthquake.
Visitors included Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who said that he felt a huge sense of pride at the effort made by the diplomatic community in Dublin. He offered his condolences to representatives of the Polish community at the event and wished the Chinese delegates a happy new year.
Other visitors included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Conor Lenihan and ambassadors from many countries.
