
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, December 2, 1994                   TAG: 9412020032
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                 LENGTH: Medium

Y INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR SCHEDULED THIS WEEKEND

The Virginia Tech YMCA will be transformed into an international bazaar today and Saturday, offering the community an alternative shopping or browsing opportunity in a unique atmosphere that celebrates cultural diversity. "It's different from what you'll see in most stores," said Ann Saacke, who directs the YMCA's international programs.

The YMCA International Bazaar features handcrafted items from more than three dozen countries - the U.S. included - made of native raw materials. Visitors will find nativities from the West Bank, Peru, Honduras and the Philippines, Christmas ornaments and cards from El Salvador, Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand, jewelry from India, Mexico and Chile, and much more.

"There are a lot of really unique items," Saacke enthused, describing clay whistles from Peru and Bolivia and exquisitely carved animals and other objects from Kenya.

Saacke emphasized that all proceeds benefit people in developing countries through two programs. SELFHELP Crafts of the World - a job-creation program of the Mennonite Central Committee - helps artisans in developing countries to acquire new skills and take advantage of the North American handicrafts market to sell their wares. And a new skills-training project for women at the YMCA in Sao Tome and Principe in West Africa hopes to buy sewing machines and teach sewing skills as a first step toward greater self-sufficiency. "It's a beginning," Saacke said.

So is the International Bazaar for many of the women in Blacksburg's international community who will serve as hostesses for the annual event. "It's their first volunteer experience," Saacke explained. All of the women are involved in Mornings, the YMCA's international spouse program.

Information about all countries and crafts is available during the bazaar.

The YMCA International Bazaar is open today and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., at the YMCA, 703 Washington St. S.W.

by CNB