We are all aware of the devastation caused by the worst storm in 147 years. Donations of money, food, clothes, bedding and furniture have poured in for the victims who have been affected, especially those who lost everything when their homes were washed away by the River Segura bursting its banks along its route from Orihuela city to Guadamar. Stevie Spit, Casey Shadwick, Simon Morton of Sunshine.fm and their fantastic team of entertainers raised €10,500 on Sunday 22nd September at Villamartin alone, plus donations from companies and local events held at so many locations throughout the region and online, raised a total of €33,000, amazing.
I spoke with Sara the Vice Consul at Alicante Consulate a few days after the disaster as so many ExPats were complaining about the lack of support from the UK Government. Sara agreed to my proposal to place a Press Release in all English newspapers and Radio Stations offering advice and support to anyone who needs her help. Just in case you are one of these people or know someone, she says contact her direct asap on +34 965 21 60 22 or email: sara.Munsterhjelm@fco.gov.uk. There is a UK Benevolent Fund which may be able to offer financial help to those who have Spanish Insurers who say it was an Act of God.
The AGM held 15 June was well attended. You should have received the Minutes by now, but should you not, please let us know via email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com.
It was decided by Members attending the AGM 15 June, to continue to raise funds to purchase a 7 seater vehicle for Members of CCA Association and groups using the Centre at CC Ramon de Campoamor should they need transport.
The CampoVerde Theatre Group raised €500 towards the 7 Seater vehicle, a huge thank you to all the cast, who continue to support local charities and associations in the Vega Baja region.
The Town Hall Orihuela installed a defibrillator at the Centre, a very important lifesaving piece of equipment. There may be training offered by Cruz Roja, if you are interested, the Cruz Roja Office on Thursdays at the Centre.
Jill our Spanish Improvers Tutor started Fitness Workout classes, in particular BOKWA Afro Indi Music and dance which is a great therapeutic way to enjoy exercise. Jill is keen to develop her class on Thursdays, but, if that day is not convenient, let us know and we can try to organise a date and time to suit you, email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com.
Volunteer Tutors are wanted to teach English, Spanish Conversation, Intermediate and Advanced classes to Members of Community Care Association on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. These classes are a great success and very popular. The positions are voluntary, expenses are paid for travel to and from the Centre. If you have a few hours a week to spare to help your International neighbours learn Spanish or English, who are moving to Orihuela Costa, please contact by email to: oc.communitycare@gmail.com We have 60 plus Members wanting to learn Spanish Beginners and a few who wish to learn English to be able to integrate and enjoy living in Orihuela Costa. Volunteers are also needed to sell tickets for the Reef Band Dinner Show on 16th November at The Emerald Isle and to organize the Raffle to raise funds for the 7 Seater vehicle please let Norah know if you can help.
The Drop In Centre is somewhere for everyone to enjoy social activities, all ages and nationalities. Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12.30pm till 4.30pm. Tuesday 10am till 12pm. If you would like to join these sessions, contact Norah and Eva by email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com
Once again, we wish to thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you soon. Norah, Eva, Jill, Marilyn, Glenda, both Jackie’s, Malcolm & Mo. – CCA.