Children Affected By The Valencia Floods - Christmas Wishes
Donation protected
On October 30th, Valencia, a region in South-Eastern Spain, was hit by mass flash flooding which left over 200 dead, and many more missing. It affected 78 municipalities and left thousands in its towns and villages devastated, many were stranded in and on top of apartments and cars without food, water, or electricity and encased in mud.
The aim of this fundraiser is to offer some joy to the children affected over Christmas when many of their parents will now not only be trying to prepare for Christmas but also rebuilding their homes and communities.
With the support and advice from those in Valencia, we have agreed that being able to help bring joy to the children most affected is a worthy course of action. Organisations like ‘GIMELOOS’ are helping keep the magic of Christmas alive with their ‘DaNavidad’ initiative which reaches the most affected localities. Children in these towns get to write a letter to the Three Kings and we as donors get to help fulfil their Christmas wishes! (‘Epiphany/Reyes Magos’ is the main day of Christmas Celebration for Spaniards). Every donation, however big or small, will go directly towards those affected and help sprinkle some much needed festive cheer!
About the fundraiser:
Why? - Hi my name is Perdi and I’m from Northamptonshire, UK but 3 years ago I had the privilege of being welcomed into the most loving Valencian Family. In 2022 I arrived in Valencia for the first time, alone, as an Au Pair but left with new aunts, uncles, siblings, friends and an incredibly loving community. Belén, Ricar, Carlos, Candela and Venta Quemada have become my home away from home. Valencians are some of the kindest and most welcoming people I know and through this fundraiser I hope to be able to help at least a few members of their community through such a challenging time.
Who? - Children affected by the ‘DANA’ (Spanish acronym for this extreme weather phenomenon) which caused a year’s worth of rain to fall in just a couple hours.
What? - In the children’s letters they are able to make three wishes for a gift (with a max value of 20€). 100% of all donations will be used directly for these toys and gifts which, where possible, we are going to buy from independent toy shops and stores in Valencia that have been affected by the floods.
When? - To start this fundraiser I have organised a Charity Wild Water Swim, with the University of Exeter’s Open Water Swim and Hispanic Societies. This will take place on Sunday 8th December at Dawlish Warren Beach. (Further details are on the Open Water Swim Instagram - @EUOWSS).
Save the Children have estimated that there are 71,664 children and young people within the affected area. Many of these children’s lives have been turned upside down watching their homes, schools and streets left in ruins. So, with this in mind we would like to help as many of these children in need of smiles as possible!
Thank you for reading this far, any and all donations are greatly appreciated!
Many thanks,
Perdi
*This is a non-profit fundraiser - 100% of proceeds are for affected children.
*For more information please see links below:
- GIMELOOS
*Photos are sourced from my family and friends over the last few weeks while volunteering in these affected areas.
Organizer
Perdita Jones
Organizer
England