Mumbai: American Club for International Women returns to encourage local talent

Expect festive gifts, travel hampers, handcrafted jewellery, home décor items clothing and skin care products as the American Club for International Women brings its Annual Charity Shopping Mela back this year

What began as a small group of American women coming together to do philanthropic work in 1928, is today a bustling club of expatriates aligning with Mumbai-based charities and non-profits. And right now, the American Club for International Women (ACIW) is very excited indeed.

What has this club all abuzz is the fact that after two long years, their once-a-year charity event-the Annual Charity Shopping Mela - is making a comeback. The Mela brings numerous charitable groups from all over the country in a single space, so that those benefitting from their work can showcase their skills and wares.

"There are festive gifts, travel hampers, a variety of jewellery, home décor, clothing, skin care products, bags and accessories that goes towards the care of stray dogs, and even art work from a gallery," says Samantha Fernandes Najam-es-sani, Vice President (Charities) at ACIW Mumbai. The ACIW is today among the oldest clubs for expatriate women in Mumbai, with Melissa Cline, wife of current US Consul General Mike Hankey, serving as honorary president.

Founded in 1928, the ACIW is among the oldest club of expatriate women in Mumbai engaged in charity work

"I am excited to learn more about the incredible work by our participating organizations to support communities in need across Mumbai and beyond," Cline tells mid-day. "These diverse and dedicated groups are great examples of compassion in action. For me, the ACIW Charity Mela is a chance to give something back to a wonderful host community that has given me, and many Americans before me, so much."

The day-long Mela is ACIW's big annual fundraiser and this year will be its 11th edition. ACIW had to take a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is a volunteer-driven initiative, and a lot of people displaced during this time.

The initiative is two-pronged. While brands are charged participation fees, all of which the ACIW donates to charity, the proceeds generated from the sales of products on display help the participating NGOs to work further in their chosen areas, be it animal welfare, women's empowerment, upliftment of the underprivileged or aid to those with physical challenges.

"The idea is to encourage local charities, social enterprises and businesses," says Najam-es-sani. Currently, ACIW collaborates with NGOs Access Life and Mann. Access Life provides aid to families that bring their children to Mumbai for cancer treatment, while Mann works with those with mental health issues.

WHAT: ACIW Annual Shopping Mela
WHERE: Trident, BKC
WHEN: October 29, 11 AM to 6 PM