News and events

Every year, on January 25^th, the British Community celebrate Robert Burns birthday and get together for a "Burns Supper" (Burns Night). Robert Burns - a Scottish poet, folklorist and author of numerous poems, was born on January 25^th, 1759. And for over 200 years "Burns Supper" is part of Scottish culture. January 25^th is a national holiday in Scotland, which is called by Scots "Burns supper". This day is celebrated by the poet's admirers around the world. And for the last two years "Dara" Foundation together with International Women's Club takes part in arrangement of this festival in Almaty city. This year the Supper was organized on January 28^th in one of the best hotels in the city in a five-star Intercontinental Hotel, which became one of the main sponsors of the evening. There were over 250 guests attending the evening and there were many Scots among them, who in honor of the holiday proudly put on their traditional dress - a Scottish kilt. Burns Supper would not be complete without the traditional haggis (a kind of a big sausage, made ​​from barley and giblets in a shell made ​​from sheep's stomach) and a nice Scotch whiskey, which was provided by "CELLAR" LLP. There was a special menu of the evening including the Scottish style soup from the chef of the restaurant, a variety of cheese, wine and beverages provided by Metro Cash & Carry shop, various baked goods from La Tartine bakery, and many other food.

After the official part, raffle tickets drawing started. Thanks to our generous sponsors there are some fantastic raffle prizes this year, prizes include: 

·        two round trip business class flights on Air Astana from Almaty to anywhere on their network

·        two round trip business class flights on Air Astana from Almaty to Antalya and a weekend stay at the InterContinental, Antalya, Kemer

·        membership for two for 6 months at the Edelweiss Spa courtesy of InterContinental

·        $1000 voucher to spend on a cocktail dress courtesy of La Novia

·        iPad from Eurasian bank

·        Gucci Handbag "Vintage Web Medium" courtesy of fashion gallery G & G Glamour

Air Astana also took on the transportation of special guest musicians from Scotland - Coila Ceilidh Band. Musicians played traditional Scottish music that guests danced to with pleasure almost till the morning. By the way, there were dance classes pre-arranged for those wishing to learn these dances, and judging by the easy and relaxed dancing guests, these classes were not in vain.

Totally 6 461 182  tenge (43,656 USD) were fundraised for the evening, most of the proceeds will go for building of stable in "Balbulak" RCRC territory under the "Hippotherapy" (therapeutic riding), initiated by "Dara" Foundation. There are about 50-60 children with cerebral palsy get treatment and rehabilitation at "Balbulak" on a monthly basis. It is scientifically proven that contacts with horses positively impact on the physical, mental and emotional condition of children.

"Dara" Foundation expresses deep gratitude to all sponsors of the evening: Air Astana Company, Intercontinental Hotel, Eurasian Bank, HSBC bank, KPMG Company, "Troika Dialog Kazakhstan" JSC, "Shell" Company, "SAP Kazakhstan" LLP, "LA TARTINE " LLP, "CELLAR " LLP, as well as the organizers from the Women's Club and a special thanks to Anna, Rebecca and Camila from the organizing Committee of the Club. Thank You All for caring!