In February of this year, I first met Annabel Moore.  She approached me to see if we would consider letting Originals be used as a venue for an idea she had for her charity, Whitewave.  It was a given as far as we were concerned.  The idea was good, the motivation was humbling and the cause was inspiring.  We met a profoundly motivated and driven group of women, who have already made a huge difference to the lives of many Cambodian children.   From this early beginning we were able to witness the whole Nightmarket theme evolve. It was fun and rewarding for us to see the event take shape and then explode with the energy of all of the people who came and supported their cause.  The resulting funds will give great momentum to making their vision in Cambodia actually happen.  We’re all looking forward to Nightmarket, 2011!  If you want to get involved, drop me an email at geri@originals.com.sg

Read more about the Night Market experience and Annabel’s perspective below.  And don’t forget to check out photos on our Facebook page…www.facebook.com/originalsfurniture

Geri

The first couple of hours were a complete blur!  Overall I was so rushed off my feet I never got a chance to get to the Whitewave stall to explain to people why Night Market had come about in the first place!  About a week before the event I had realised we would get a reasonably good turnout, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect it to be so packed.  Six of the Cambodian teenagers I work with were over from Phnom Penh.  They all manned stalls as part of their work experience.  Those kids were so proud to be there; so proud to see products from their country being snapped up.  I have never seen them use their English with confidence before that night, or seen them at ease in the thick of public life, and while I loved the atmosphere of Night Market, and watching all the goods I had so painstakingly chosen and brought back over 13 months get pored over and bought, and seeing the tarantulas and crickets get eaten… the Cambodians’ reactions were definitely the highlight of Night Market for me.

Annabel

Want to know more about Whitewave and get involved in helping children in Cambodia? Check their website: www.smallness.org