This is a series introducing associations and clubs that expats can get involved in. This week, Expat Living spoke to Lynn Baratta of Busan Int’l Women’s Association ― Ed.

● Name of Club: Busan Int’l Women’s Association (BIWA)

● Location(s): Busan area

● Number of members: 120

Started: In 1965. BIWA was founded by women from several different countries including the wife of the mayor of Busan, the wife of the governor of Gyeongnam and several other prominent members of the local Korean community. The wives of the commander and officers of Hialeah American Military Base and other expatriate women residing in the area were also involved.

Who is it for? Membership is open to any woman residing in the Busan area who is interested in participating in BIWA’s social, community welfare and fundraising activities. Our Korean members are limited in number to one third of our total membership.

What goes on? BIWA is a group that exists to extend friendship, support and to encourage cultural exchange among women of different cultures living in the Busan area. We are a non-profit organization that seeks to help needy people in the local community through our welfare work, which is supported by fundraising events each year.

Plans for the future: BIWA helps orphanages, disabled people, widows and some elderly people in need. We will continue our monthly support of these them and continue our charity programs with fundraising events throughout the year. In addition to charity, BIWA provides various social and cultural activities each month, including monthly luncheons, coffee mornings, special activities such as tours, craft activities, moms and toddlers group, hiking and culture classes. Please check our website for new and upcoming events ― www.biwa-korea.com.

How to join: Contact BIWA Membership at ― biwakorea@gmail.com

Are there any membership fees? BIWA membership fees for 2011-12 are 60,000 won. 30,000 won goes to the BIWA Administration fund, 20,000 won into the BIWA Welfare fund and 10,000 won will be used to purchase raffle prizes, for which tickets will be sold at each monthly luncheon. The funds raised by lucky draw ticket sales will also be deposited into the BIWA Welfare fund.

What is the highlight of the year? The highlight of the BIWA year is the BIWA Christmas Fundraising Bazaar which will be held on Dec. 3 at the Haeundae Grand Hotel, 2nd floor Convention Hall (Leisure Center) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is BIWA’s largest fundraiser of the year and features a full day of family fun. Offerings of the day include: pictures with Santa, musical performances by children from international schools, international food and drink cafe, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian and Russian booths, a kids’ corner with crafts and activities for all ages, a bakery corner with home baked goods for sale, a large selection of handmade Christmas items, local artwork, jewelry and ceramic sales booths and a lucky draw, which runs throughout the day with many really great prizes. This event is open to the entire community and the entrance fee is 2,000 won, and free for under-12s. No reservations required. Last year’s Christmas Fundraising Bazaar raised over 30 million won in support of the BIWA Welfare fund.