A VOLUNTEER FOOD DISTRIBUTION POINT FOR THE NEEDY OF MOGÁN,
GRAN CANARIA
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| Some of the associations and companies that help us feed the needy! |
GRAN CANARIA
WHO ARE WE:
A group of concerned persons who actively participate in improving the quality of life for our fellow citizens in the Municipality of Mogán, southwest of Gran Canaria. Established in 1993, the Neighbours’ Association of Las Lomas de Arguineguín works on finding viable solutions to different issues involving social problems, the environment, consumers’ rights, public health…… We coordinate with several other organizations such as the Norwegian Community of Mogán(made up of several wonderfully generous and caring groups and clubs) , The Food Bank of Las Palmas (European Federation of Food Banks), the Irish Catholic Community of Puerto Rico, the Red Cross, the CAIPSHO Homeless Shelter of San Fernando, the Association for the Unemployed “Bregando Esperanzas”, etc….
WHAT DO WE DO:
We have been distributing basic foods and other items to the needy families who approach us for help since 2008. We collect and distribute food and financial donations, clothing, furniture, household items of all types that are still in usable condition.
We also have a team of volunteers giving language lessons free of charge to anyone interested, in an effort to improve their possibilities for finding a job. Currently we offer Spanish for Foreigners, English, German and Norwegian lessons.
WHERE DO WE DO IT:
Our operations are centred in Arguineguín where we share a public building belonging to the Town Council of Mogán. It is located next to the Kindergarten on Miguel Marrero street number 69, near the Tuesday Market.
WHO DO WE DO IT FOR:
Persons residing in the municipality of Mogán who document their need by means of unemployment papers, debts (mortgage, rent) and identify family members under their charge, etc.
Currently we have over 550 persons on our list, amongst them are all ages, backgrounds, nationalities and each family is different in their needs. Some are retired with insufficient pensions, others are un- or underemployed, ill, single mothers with no benefits or support, unable to work for lack of proper immigrant papers, etc.; some are homeless, addicts, ex-convicts…. Approximately 20% are non-Spanish citizens.
WHEN DO WE DO IT:
Every Tuesday afternoon between 5 pm and 8 pm we open our doors and sign up the families present and divide the food in stock amongst them. You are welcome to visit us to see our facilities and operations.
HOW DO WE DO IT:
With patience, persistence, caring, faith and kindness, we try to help anyone approaching us to regain hope and stay healthy. Our goal is for the families to return to independence as soon as possible.
WHO HELPS US:
We receive donations from many different groups and companies, in the form of both funds and food items. We accept everything edible within sell-by date, if packaged (except fruit and vegetables which we can take, if still edible). We cannot accept prepared food unless in some kind of package or container. We are not permitted to distribute left-overs, unpackaged (except for produce) or expired foods.
HOW CAN YOU HELP:
We need volunteers to raise funds, gather food items, deliver donations to us, collect items such as bread from bakeries at the end of the day and freeze it to be distributed frozen on Tuesdays, to inform us of any available food that we could distribute, to help the needy recover their independence by means of worthwhile occupation, if you are looking for a cleaning-woman, a babysitter, a caretaker for the elderly, even part time or now and again, this can help someone to make some money that will help them feel productive and reduce their debts.
We have a programme called “Adopt a Family” – individuals may commit to covering certain basic expenses for a family (any one or a specific one) such as their utilities, etc., for any amount you choose, or help by covering the expenses for schoolbooks for children, outfits for school, dental expenses, etc. A group of retired ladies (the Hattedamene) are sponsoring baby and children’s food for the over 100 children between newborn and age 12, when there are available funds we purchase nappies for children under age 3.
We have a bank account: Any amount is welcome! if you wish to make a donation earmarked for a special need (dental costs for a child, nappies, rent, eggs, potatoes, baby food, a specific family, transportation, etc.), please state it when making your deposit or transfer. We are deeply grateful for your support!
(IBAN ES62/BIC or Swift CAAMES2A) 2090 5702 6302 0007 6509
Las Lomas Neighbours' Association
Coin donations from the 2009 Christmas period came to over 1,300 Euros...
The students at the Norwegian School of Gran Canaria have, for two years in a row, brightened Christmas for needy children by purchasing gifts for other children and each gift was prettily wrapped and labelled with the age of the recipient and the donor (i.e. from an 8 year old boy to an 8 year old boy).
The "Club Los Amigos" has been tirelessly raising funds by means of numerous activities and in 2010 donated almost 12,000 Euros to us.
A group of lovely private persons who call themselves the "
