Market brings Africa to Vancouver

The annual CNIS African market is a free community event that celebrates African culture and diversity, while teaching people about some of the non-profit organizations who work there. Hundreds of locals came to hear music, shop and support the participants. People danced to the rhythms of the Duna Moja (One World) drum circle and applauded the 3 young Nigerian dancers who made an impromptu performance. Radio Canada covered the event and brought CNIS later that night to the French TV evening news!

CNIS and I would like to thank all participants and performers for helping us show the colours and flavours of Africa and for making the event better every year. Thank you also to our loyal volunteer team, who spent about 250 communal volunteer hours preparing and helping at the market.

Last year, we managed to turn the event around, so it would not cost CNIS anything to host it. This year, we raised over $2000 though a silent auction, sales and donations. Considering this is a public market where other African NGOs, African artisans and vendors also raise funds and sell their wares, we could not hope for a better outcome.

We are looking forward to next years market. Keep a look out for notices in the spring of 2011.