Soroptimist International Costa del Sol dressed up on Saturday 2nd for its 18th anniversary, but also for solidarity. The collective enjoyed a dinner with charitable overtones, as food and other essentials were collected for those affected by the floods. The aim of the event was to strengthen their local projects and to help the victims of the DANA in the province.

"Over the past few days we have received the sad news about the destruction caused by the DANA, the loss of lives and homes, and we have been discussing together to find the best way to support. We decided to go ahead with the charity dinner and donate money to the victims. We are contacting the different initiatives in the area and thought it would be best to start by helping locally, in Cártama, Álora and Pizarra. We decided to join 'Mijas Solidaria' and asked our guests to bring some things to donate, such as canned food, personal hygiene products, food for dogs and cats, etc. We will deliver everything to the collection point tomorrow, Sunday", explained the president of the collective, Daphne Theunissen.

"One of the reasons I belong to Soroptimist International is that it gives me the possibility to help others, especially when they are going through difficult times. Having a support network and knowing that the money donated actually reaches people is invaluable. We are receiving a lot of messages from friends, family and Soroptimist members from all over Europe, and we are looking to collect more donations and help our neighbours", added one of the organisers, Anette Skou.

Food for babies and pets, cleaning and personal hygiene products are some examples of what Soroptimist collected during this solidarity dinner, which they thought about suspending due to the official days of mourning, but finally decided to carry it out to help those affected by the rains.

The dinner was attended by many people who highlighted not only this solidarity role of Soroptimist, but also its role with the local society, especially with the victims of gender violence. "I have always felt very identified with the objectives of this association. Empowering and helping women is part of empowering and helping society, a fairer and more equal society", said the Danish Consul, Marisa Moreno. "They help women who maybe suffered domestic violence or just help in the local community, which is really important for us foreigners to get involved with the local community and support the local community, their projects and their goals", said the founder of Costa Women, Ali Meehan. "They are pioneers. There is no one else in the area doing this, especially when it comes to violence against women. We are very happy to continue to collaborate with them and help them in any way we can financially", said the president of the La Cala Lions Club, Karen Blair.

 

Since 2006

Soroptimist International Costa del Sol has been 18 years involved in different projects to improve society. It was founded on the 4th of November 2006, with the official ceremony taking place in the Mijas Town Hall. During these years it has been actively involved in local activities and has supported many people and organisations, such as Adimi, which was the beneficiary of the first charity dinner, and the Mijas Food Bank. It also stands out for its support to victims of gender violence and for its current sponsorship of a local women's basketball team. The last big event held by the association was the presentation of the Soroptimist Award.

Soroptimist International Costa del Sol is part of a worldwide organisation of more than 66,000 professional women in 122 countries committed to helping, empowering, enabling and educating women and children. For more information, visit their website, www.costadelsol.soroptimist.es, or social media or email them at soroptimist.costadelsol@gmail.com.

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