Toybank participates in the Indo-German Christmas Fest 2010!

It has been a tradition of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce for more than 50 years to bring India and Germany closer economically and culturally. For more than a decade they have been organizing the traditional German Christmas Market in Delhi. Inspired by its great success there, they have also started a Christmas Market in Mumbai, which goes by the name Mumbai Christmas Fest.

The fourth edition of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce’s annual Mumbai Christmas Fest happened at the Mahalaxmi Race Course.

Here's what Haneeta Padam, one of our volunteers had to say after the fest:

"Indo German Christmas Fest and Racing Carnival 2010 was held at Royal Western Indian Turf Club, Mumbai on the 4th and 5th of December 2010. The Race Course was transformed into an outdoor Christmas bazaar that is typical of German towns. In the centre, a huge Christmas tree was put up decorated with stars and candies. There were dozens of market style stalls, selling everything from clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery and home decor to gifts, furniture, Christmas decorations, chocolates,  dates, all available at very special prices. For the kids, they had their very own Kids Corner, where they played basketball, assembled puzzles, got a tattoo or a caricature and made new friends in the spirit of the season. Santa was also present without whom Christmas is incomplete.

Children could pose with Santa Claus and get pictures clicked and take home a wonderful souvenir to remind them of their moment with him!

A special NGO section ensured that the more you shop, the more you help the underprivileged. We at Toybank had board games for the children to play with while we explained to parents what we do. Sometimes we forget how much we have to offer and that is exactly what happened. Most parents said that they had lots of toys lying at home and promised to donate them to the less fortunate. There were some mothers who wanted their young children to learn to share and invited us to attend the next birthday party so that we could explain to their children how important it is to share. Sharing is difficult, especially for an only child or one who is accustomed to playing alone.

Toybankers know this for sure, there is nothing more refreshing, more inspiring, more wonderful than the smile on the face of someone you have just done something helpful for or when they receive a gift. There is an immense feeling of pride that rushes over us when we have given someone a gift that they might have needed, loved or enjoy greatly. Come to think of it, Santa strives to find a way to bring joy into the lives of all children, and uses toys as a principal means. We at Toybank do this all the time!

I'm sure Shweta, Farnaza, Rachna, Siddharth and Ajit also had a wonderful time at the fest. I did. Let's see how many people keep their promises."

We are sure all the volunteers had a rocking time at the Fest. Catch all the action here!