For pictures, see https://www.facebook.com/pg/canchamlatvia/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2781791141884080

The forth annual CanCham Christmas supporting “Nāc līdzās!” (Come Along) took place on Tuesday, December 2^nd, 2019 at the Pullman Riga Old Town Hotel, Jēkaba iela 24, Riga, www.pullmanrigaoldtown.lv/.

The CanCham Christmas attracted a record number of participants (60) with both CanCham members and friends, Irena Cirule from the Canadian Embassy, and representatives of the Canadian military. As our members and distinguished guests arrived, the networking, and raffle ticket sales headed by Una Brūna and Henrik Mjoman, began. Ričards Stūris (https://www.facebook.com/rgbrasa/) provided (free of charge) the standing tables which added both colour, dignity and and convenience to the evening.

Our Chairman, Ed Kalvins, welcomed everyone and reminded those present that it is particularly appropriate to think of others at this time of year. After providing honourable mention to our  Corporate Contributing Members Exupery International School and Savoie Arbitration, and Senior Corporate Members Singh's Restaurants and Indian Raja, he introduced the following new members - Savoie Arbitration (Corporate Contributing Member), Enera (Corporate Member), LATSWEETS (Business Member), Riga Decorative Painting Workshop (Business Member) – see Cancham Christmas 2019 announcements, he then introduced Sarma Freiberga, Chair of the Board of “Nāc līdzās!” (http://www.naclidzas.lv/en/about-us) who provided those present with an insight as to “Nāc līdzās!” work in the past year and objectives for the next. The Foundation “Nāc līdzās!” (Come along!) supports children and young people with disabilities to integrate into society, and helps their parents’ understand the problems that they face.

This was followed by performances by Diāna Ponaskova and Līva Palēja of “Nāc līdzās!”. Diāna’s singing was beautiful and wasn’t affected by her being in a wheel chair, while Līva’s musical talent playing the saxophone was clearly visible despite her blindness. They are great role models for youth with disabilities. Surly those of us who sometimes feel challenged in life need to recognize that our issues are peanuts compared to what these people go through. This is why we at the CanCham are proud to support “Nāc līdzās!” and their objectives. 

Helping with the draws were Jassa and Amrit, two of the Singh-children of Singh’s Restaurant’s owners, Guna and Kully. The Raffle prizes were nice, generous and some also TASTY!! All together, with the work of the photographer Ojārs Zabarovskis (provided a photo session prize to the raffle), the beautifully hand-baked “piparkūkas” (gingerbread) with the Canadian maple leaf shape, baked by Indra Sproge-Kalvina provided to guests as they departed, added that very special nice touch that the CanCham is famous for. 

We thank our members and friends for the raffle gifts, and those that purchased raffle tickets (see CanCham Christmas 2019 raffle prizes). After all, it’s all about giving. During the draw we presented a slide show showing each of the raffle gift donors (see Cancham Christmas 2019 company presentations). As the prizes were given out, we could see both the donor and the recipient. This sets the pace for networking later. The gifted prizes were top notch and we thank those that donated, both gifts and to the raffle.

The CanCham is pleased to have raised €1,172.26 to “Nāc līdzās!”, €300 of which was donated by our member Z/S Medigas (https://www.facebook.com/ZSMedigas/) who specialize in the growing and selling of potted plants. and €100 from Enera, the wrist watch people (https://enerawatch.com/en/).

We encourage our friends and members to donate. Donations can be sent to the CanCham (Swedbank - Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia or Kanādas Tirdzniecības Palāta Latvijā, account nr. LV41HABA0551042837971) indicating “Nāc līdzās!” fund.

We thank all for their great spirit and attendance and look forward to seeing you in January! Merry Christmas and a Happy New from the Board and Audit Committee of CanCham!

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