Chinese Community Christmas charity bazaar raises funds

The annual Chinese Community Christmas charity bazaar was hosted in Athens on Sunday, reaffirming the friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between China and Greece.

Chinese Communities in Greece in collaboration with the Chinese embassy in Athens and the Municipality of Athens organized a colorful event at a central park of Greece's capital which attracted hundreds of people, winning high praises.

In show of solidarity with Greek citizens who have been severely affected by the financial crisis over the past three years, Chinese expats living in Greece are donating all the proceeds raised during the bazaar to the Athens' Homeless Reception Centre operated by the City of Athens.

"By organizing this charity bazaar Chinese communities in Greece wish to express their solidarity and love and return the support Greek people have given to them. They want to send the message that we can overcome the crisis together," Chinese Ambassador to Greece Du Qiwen said in his opening address.

"The local Chinese community are citizens of Athens. They want to be part of the efforts made by the municipal government and by the local society to try to be of help to the most needy," he explained while speaking to Xinhua amid a wide variety of Chinese traditional products, such as porcelain handcrafts and toys, fine silk accessories and Christmas decorations.

Chinese communities in Greece have supported good causes in many occasions over the past few years undertaking various initiatives in order to give back to their second "homeland".

On behalf of the City of Athens, Deputy Mayor Fotis Provatas expressed the gratitude of Greek authorities' and people.

"This is a marvellous event today, marvellous because we meet again with the Chinese community. The City of Athens has very close relations with the Chinese community in Athens. We work together and with the embassy. This offer shows the support of foreigners in Athens for the unemployed and children in need," he told Xinhua before tasting the delicious Chinese tea and food.

Greek university students Aliki Gotsi and Iro Papaspyrou were in particular impressed with the cultural performances of Chinese folk music and dancing and Chinese calligraphy.

Interested in China, Chinese peoples, the history and civilization, they have taken up Chinese language lessons and attend most Greek-Chinese events in Athens over the past few years.

"I would like to learn more about China and Chinese peoples, so I start from learning the language and I intend to learn more about Chinese literature and culture," Aliki told Xinhua.

"It is a positive initiative ... And it shows the solidarity between the two peoples," Iro added commenting about this year's charity bazaar, before buying for herself and her friend some Chinese ornaments engraved with wishes for good luck and prosperity.