On 16 April and 20 May respectively, the Association of Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) held its Annual General Meeting and a subsequent Extraordinary General Meeting at the Order of Malta residence. On the first day, Ambassador Lorijn took the opportunity to give a brief presentation about the history and global hospitaller activities of the Order of Malta.

Launched in 1999, SHOM raises funds for Polish charitable organisations and organises social and cultural activities aimed at bringing together the Polish and international communities. Its main annual event is the International Charity Bazaar, which is traditionally held on the last Sunday of November or first Sunday of December under the honorary patronage of the First Lady of Poland.

The new SHOM board members for the period 2024-2025 are:

• President: Mr Ricardo Ruiz (Philippines)
• Vice-President: Mrs Melissa Brown (Armenia)
• Secretary: Mrs Nadine Schmit (Luxembourg)
• Charity Coordinator: Mrs Eva Lorijn (Sovereign Order of Malta)
• Social Media & Webpage Coordinator: Mrs Rachel Denktas (Türkiye)

For more information, please visit https://shomwarsaw.wordpress.com/