Monday, January 31, 2011

Kuwaiti Souq for the Troops

The US service men and women who are stationed in Kuwait often never get off post to see anything about the country, the people, the culture - nada.  At every AUSA (Association of the US Army) event in Kuwait, the service members (SMs) ask if there is anything to buy.  They often want to send things home to their families or just buy souveniers for themselves.  If you have ever been to a PX on the camps here in Kuwait, I can tell  you from personal experience that they are NOT indicative of Kuwait and many are heavily overpriced.

So, at an upcoming event in Kuwait, we are trying to put together a small "souq" area (at ZERO budget and ZERO profit) so that they can see local traditional products and decorations that are indicitive of Kuwait (like bayt shaar, sadu).  We'll be selling Kuwait-ONLY items like spices, traditional dress (gutra, aghal, dishtasha, farwa, abayas, niqab, etc.), jewelry, music CDs, weavings, traditional make-up, books on Kuwait, etc.

We would like to reflect Kuwait in a positive and hospitable manner to the people who are guests in the country.  I KNOW there are Kuwaitis out there who hold the same belief in hospitality as I do - especially during this 20th anniversary year of the Liberation of Kuwait.

We are looking for sponsors.  Cash is the best, but if you can donate decorations (that can be returned to you after the event or raffled off - at your wish).  Also seeking vendors for the stalls.  I have sent requests to the American Women's League for cookie bags to be given to the troops, but I have not had a response.  If there is a group out there who would like to do something similar, please let me know.

ANY proceeds that are left over will be donated to K'sPath on behalf of the Association of the US Army in Kuwait.

If you would like to be a sponsor or make a donation, please contact me at amerab@gmail.com.

3 comments:

Nerissa Alford said...

Thanks for organzing this. I will email you off-line. I'm interested in donating some things & may be able to get a group together for you.
Nerissa

Anonymous said...

How come the soldiers don't just bus over to the Friday Market, or Mubarakiya Market?

Desert Girl said...

Thanks Nerissa.

Barook - In answer to your question: A little thing called security; and also the military's agreement with the government of Kuwait.