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Charitable Organisations on the Marina Alta
It’s almost inevitable that within the ex-pat population here in Spain — many of us of a certain age, with a bit more time on our hands — end up devoting that time to raising money for good causes.
If you’ve ever watched Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun, you’ll know we’re a nation of animal lovers. Dogs, cats, horses — anything furry and in need tends to get our attention. And with an ageing population, there’s also a growing need to support our pensioners.
Of course, any fundraising event needs a bit of a hook to get people dipping into their pockets — a singer, a band… or perhaps a local DJ who can also act as MC.
I think you know where I’m going with that.
It all started for me back in 2016 when I was trying to break into the local ex-pat radio scene. My opportunity came in the form of an outside broadcast with Total FM at a fundraiser for the local Bomberos (firefighters).
There had been devastating grass and bush fires in the area, and the volunteer brigade had lost much of their equipment. On the day, over €20,000 was raised — and I managed to help add another €2,000 as the charity auctioneer.
I got the radio job… and my face was, as they say, “out there”.
Since then, I’ve been asked on many occasions to give my time and skills to charity events. These days, it’s actually a measure of how busy I’ve become that I can only support a couple regularly each year.
No slight on the others — there are just so many hours in the day.
Easter Fair – Jávea Cancer Care Nurses
As a taster, here’s a recent one — Saturday 28th March.
Originally planned outside the Cancer Care charity shop in the Arenal, I received a WhatsApp message just three days beforehand — change of venue.
To their credit, they’d clearly had the same short notice and had worked flat out to prepare their terrace. The show must go on — and it did.
The weather started off a bit ominous — cold, with a biting wind. Not what you’d expect in March. But slowly the sun broke through, and within an hour coats and jackets were being shed… mine included.
I kept the music going while:
- Dave Manhattan prepared to sing
- Cakes and savouries were sold
- Raffles, tombolas, and a “Name the Monkey” stall all did their bit
All in aid of raising funds for the Cancer Care Nurses.
Click on photos to enlarge
I’ve hosted this event before, so I knew the format. Halfway through came the fashion show — clothes from the charity shop modelled for the crowd.
Now a bit of a dab hand at this, I added a touch of humour while describing each outfit… helped, of course, by having the official descriptions handed to me!
We wrapped things up around 3pm.
Cakes and chocolates had been won, the monkey had been named Fred, and as for the total raised — 1.353 Euros with more to come in from ongoing activities - a great effort. I’ll update the final amount here.
If you were there — thanks for your support. If you missed it… maybe next time
What’s Next
👉 Adopt a Dog Day – Moraira (Easter Sunday)
Part of the "Signals, Sangria & Soul" series
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