With the aim of providing practical support to people with autism and their families, the first “Love Bazaar” is being organized in the Famagusta District.

The event will take place in the gardens of the Napa Prince Hotel Apts on Sunday, July 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The “Love Bazaar” is an exceptional initiative promoting solidarity and raising awareness about autism.

Artists,  handicraft makers, and vendors of new clothing and footwear, as well as retro items and antiques from a bygone era, are joining forces to support the association.

The funds raised will go toward building the “Multifunctional Center” for both daytime and residential care for people with autism.

THE IDEA BEHIND THE “LOVE BAZAAR”

The idea for the “Charity Bazaar” originated with businessman Pantelis Theodosiou (owner of a clothing store chain) and Elena Papaionnou (CEO of the Napa Prince Hotel Apts). It is not simply a charity event or a regular market. It is an idea, a vision that, from the very beginning, we have all believed should become an institution for our region. Beyond the financial support our Association will receive from renting out the stalls, the entire initiative will raise awareness of our Association’s work, helping more people understand the issue ofautism.

The first “Charity Bazaar” will take place in the hotel gardens on Sunday, July 5, at the Napa Prince Hotel Apts from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The market is open to artists (painters, potters, etc.), creators of handmade items (jewelry, bags, knick-knacks, etc.), resellers of new clothing and footwear, as well as retro items and antiques from a bygone era.

The participation fee per booth (2 meters) is forty euros (€40), which will be paid directly to the “Famagusta Autism Support Association.”

AUTISM SUPPORT FAMAGUSTA

The Famagusta Autism Support Association is a registered organization founded in 2013 by parents and friends of individuals on the autism spectrum, with the goal of providingand advice to parents of children and young people in the free area of the Famagusta district who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

Since 2014, it has been operating successfully, providing trained staff to care for children with autism. During the summer months, it runs a summer camp to keep children occupied while their parents are at work.

The association also provides an outreach service that supports children at home, either when parents want a break or have other specific needs.

On September 1, 2019, the first specialized day care center for people with autism was successfully established in Paralimni, the Smile Project, serving young adults over the age of 21. In November 2021, the day care center moved to the village of Sotira into a larger building.

The goal has been set to raise the funds needed by the end of 2027 to build a “Multifunctional Center” for both day care and independent living. In other words, the creation of essential residential care for young adults with autism aged 21 and older, providing 24-hour care, as well as for older adults with autism when they no longer have anyone to care for them. This is the major concern for all parents of children with autism: what will become of their children when they are no longer alive, and ensuring that the burden of their care does not fall on their other children. Even more tragic are the cases of families with only one child, where there is no one else responsible for their care besides the parents.