Tombolas are held throughout Europe. This one is in Prague. People buy tickets that are tumbled and mixed in a turning barrel and winning tickets or numbers are drawn.

THE LUCK OF THE DRAW

An invitation from our
Maître de Braderie

Vincent Merk

For the first time at a SIETAR Europe Congress we will have a range of entertainment events that will combine having fun, trying your luck and working for a good cause! The congress will start with a Singapore Lucky Draw (see picture below), a Bristol Boot Sale (see bottom right), a Dutch Auction (see picture to the right) and finally during the General Assembly a Grand Tombola (picture above). All the donations will be used to create a fund to benefit the creation of new SIETARS and scholarships for members and students from financially disadvantaged areas.

 Dutch buyers at the flower market auction clocks in The Netherlands. The price of goods gradually decreases on a clock face until a buyer presses a button to say that he or she accepts the price.

How do you get the invitees to the meeting or the wedding reception on time? Start with a lucky draw as people do in Singapore and Hong Kong. Put each person's business card or a paper with their name in a box when they arrive. Then draw out the names for valuable prizes. Read more.

What else can you bring? Cull your library of books and training materials you no longer use. Bring an autographed copy of your book, video or tool if you are an author. Bring a couple of copies to spare. Offer a consultation or a workshop. If you or your organisation has an intercultural service or product, bring a sample or make a certificate for the service as a give away — it is also good advertising.

You can also think of bringing products that reflect your cultural, national or regional origin or mix. Like local artefacts or eating or drinking delicacies.

So start your pile now and tell others to do so! Upon arrival you can deposit your items at the registration desk and they will be placed in our multicultural luck and fun events.

To donate your items, or for any questions, suggestions or further information, please contact me at braderie@sietar-europa.org or visit the Conference website: www.sietar-europa.org/congress2005

Vincent Merk, your devoted Maître de Braderie

P.S. Remember, “One person's trash is another person's treasure!” Let’s put our resources to work for each other.

In England people gather on weekends and holidays at a boot sale. They sell things they no longer want to keep from the “boot” or “trunk” of their automobiles.