"SILA is one big family. A lot has changed since we started, but our purpose remains the same - to help people around us," said the head of the association Vesna Nisha Dolinar.

The bazaar features stands by 38 countries selling national specialities and gifts characteristic of each country. The goal is not only to raise money but also to present the beauties of each country.

The SILA membership comprises mostly the wives of diplomats, but they have been joined by their partners and other volunteers for the event.

"Our main goal is to collect funding to help people in need," said Vida Rudolf, a founding member of SILA and the wife of the South Korean honorary consul in Slovenia.

"We are trying to present Malaysia in this part of the world. The reactions so far are very promising," explained th Budapest-based Malaysian Ambassador Kamilan Maksom.

The event opened with an address by President Borut Pahor, who highlighted Slovenians' solidarity. People in need can rely not only on the state but also on solidarity, he said.

SILA has 150 members and has collected donated over a million euros to charity in the past two decades.