Voluntary Action Orkney’s (VAO) popular Charities Christmas Bazaar is set to return to the local festive calendar after a two-year, covid enforced break.

Around fifteen charities will come together to sell crafts, home baking and a whole lot more at the fund-raising event, being held in Kirkwall on Saturday 26 November.

The bazaar is being staged in the St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, for the very first time, with stalls set up throughout the whole building.

And to warm everyone up and help fuel the Christmas spirit on the day, VAO will be selling hot drinks in the centre’s foyer, with a donation by Tesco meaning all proceeds from the stall can go towards the cost of running the event.

Morven Brooks, VAO’s Chief Executive, said:

“The Christmas Bazaar has traditionally been a popular and important event for local charities, but naturally it was put on hold due to the covid pandemic. I’m therefore delighted that VAO has been able to bring it back this year as it really helps charities boost their funds.

“This is my first Charities Christmas Bazaar since taking on the role of VAO Chief Executive, following Gail Anderson’s retirement, and I can’t wait to meet everyone from the charities involved, and of course the members of the public who come along to support them. It’ll be a fantastic start to the festive season.”

On the day a representative from VAO’s board of directors will award the prize for the ‘Most Festive Stall’. Samaritans of Orkney won the award at the last bazaar, held in 2019.

Joan Jones, Samaritans of Orkney Director, said:

“We’ve participated in VAO’s Christmas Bazaar for several years now and it’s a great opportunity to fund raise with other Orkney charities. Although we are all there for very important and serious reasons, it is always a fun event and winning the ‘Most Festive Stall’ last time was an added bonus! Like all the charities there, we’re extremely grateful to those who come along to the bazaar to support us and look forward to seeing lots of people on the day.”

The bazaar will open to the public at 11:00am on 26 November, so why not drop in for a little Christmas shopping or simply treat yourself and contribute to a good cause at the same time?

For more information and to find out which local charities are taking part, please visit VAO’s website, contact enquiries@vaorkney.org.uk or call Kerry Wilson or Ellie Walker on 01856 872897