LIVE is an ex-pat run Spanish registered charity based in Axarquia – and was formed to raise funds for human Spanish good causes within our area.

For more than three years, we have been involved in fund-raising for El Ciudad De Los Ninos in Malaga. This home provides holistic care for approximately 55 residential children whose ages range from 4 – 18. These young people are placed there for a variety of reasons – some temporary and some more permanent. In addition to this number, the home also provides daily care for upwards of 150 others from the local poor communities. Receiving funding only for those that are residential, they therefore rely on donations from other sources to provide for these children in their care.

Each year, we organise a Christmas party for the residential children away from the home at a bar or restaurant which volunteers its services. This involves food/ drinks / Spanish-speaking entertainers, and a present for all the children who attend – and a few hours of escape from their daily lives for these less fortunate young people. We also provide presents for the daycare children, which the home takes back and distributes. This year we have a greater number of boys between the ages of 13 – 18. And, although it is always nice and perhaps easier to buy for the younger members, the older ones look forward to and enjoy receiving their presents too. It will probably be all they receive for Christmas, unlike our own children.

It is a mammoth task each year, but due to fundraising events all year and the kindness of people’s donations, we have achieved this each Christmas so far. It is hard not to be touched by the needs of these young people. We are aware that in the present financial climate, people have less money available. But if you feel you wish to make a donation of either a present or cash to go towards the presents, or to the home itself, please ring Carol on 678 736 447.

Or you can leave presents with:

Simon at the Caribbean Bar in Nerja,

Martin at the Anchor (La Ancla) at Torrox Costa,

or Linda at Arkwrights at Puente Don Manuel.

All the above establishments have kindly agreed to support our fundraising for the home, and they all have collection tins for cash donations. All money donated goes to either events for the youngsters, or in providing help to the home. For further details please ring the above numbers. Also bric a brac, ideas for future fundraising or simply volunteers to help will be gratefully accepted.

Arkwrights are also raising money by way of charging for their Christmas hampers. They normally donate the hampers and do a “free” raffle for their customers, but I am sure that nobody will object to them charging in aid of this extremely good cause. They support LIVE because it is “there but for the grace of God.”

We are all fortunate in being able to “live the life in Spain”, so let’s all club together and let these unfortunate children “live” a little as well.