For the fourth consecutive year, members of the ATAYAL Organization (愛泰雅協會) are organizing a Christmas event with local Taiwanese organizations to benefit the indigenous children from the Atayal tribe in the Wulai District (烏來區) of New Taipei City, Taiwan. The festive event, titled "Christmas in Wulai IV," brings the Western-style holiday spirit to the beautiful, mountainous indigenous communities of Wulai District, not far from Taipei City. Volunteers will perform live music in front of the Wulai Atayal Museum (烏來泰雅民族博物館), in the heart of the busy tourist sector of Wulai. Visitors can enjoy Christmas songs, take a photo with Santa Claus, and go into the museum for an education on the culture and history of the Atayal tribe. Aside from performing in public, Santa Claus and his volunteers will spread smiles among the children in the local communities by providing them gifts at Wulai District's local churches.
"We are proud to work with local businesses, organizations and volunteers every year to spread Christmas spirit, which is the spirit of giving. For many people, Taiwan has given us so much, so this is our way to give back to Taiwan," states Gary Smoke, the event's main organizer and the Director of International Relations for the ATAYAL Organization. "We believe in supporting the indigenous communities, because we cherish Taiwan's indigenous cultures, and hope to share the importance of cultural preservation and pride."
Everyone who can make it to Wulai on December 21 are invited to enjoy the festivities and explore all of the wonders that the area has to offer. The area attractions include the Wulai Atayal Museum, which is providing the venue for the activity. It is the best place to learn about the Atayal tribal history and culture from the area. People who cannot attend are also welcome to contact the organization to make donations of toys and school supplies for indigenous children.
Each year, this activity attracts generous volunteers and organizations in Taiwan who want to give back to local communities. This year, a student group from the Taipei European School (TES) will participate in the activity. The event will include a partnership with Ming Dao Fashions and Fabric King Textile Co, LTD. Ming Dao Fashions is a collaboration between Ming Dao University (明道大學) in Changhua County and Sussman International Co. They will be supplying comfortable and stylish pants to over 150 children in Wulai as warm Christmas gifts.
Mark Sussman, founder of Sussman International Co. explains, "The years of dedicated work of the ATAYAL Organization supporting the indigenous tribes of Taiwan has inspired Ming Dao Fashions and Fabric King to help support them."
The ATAYAL Organization is an international organization based in the USA dedicated to connecting the indigenous tribes of Taiwan with other indigenous peoples of the world for cultural and economic exchange. Since 2001, the ATAYAL organization works with local organizations in Taiwan to organize activities that promote Taiwan's indigenous culture throughout the world, and brings a world of opportunities to Taiwan's indigenous people.
For Inquiries or to Offer Support, please contact:
Gary Smoke
ATAYAL, Director of International Relations
E-mail: Click Here
Cell Phone: 0963-481-664