By Adam Woodward
Copyright euroweeklynews
La Cala Lions have succeeded again in converting funds raised at their many charity events into smiles and joy for those most deserving of them.
On Saturday, September 13, at Miraflores Tennis Club, the Lions were out in force hosting a daytime party for children and their families of the Fundación Olivares and ADIMI (Asociación para personas con Discapacidad Intelectual de Mijas), with games, a fun day in the pool, a grand barbecue, and an unforgettable day of joy and togetherness.
Day of joy for children with cancer
The Fundación Olivares was established in 2010 by Andrés Olivares, a Malaga resident and dedicated father, in response to the tragic loss of his nine-year-old son, Luis Olivares, who passed away after a 7-year battle with leukaemia. Andrés said, “Before going to heaven, my son asked me to help other children facing similar illnesses,” and so the Foundation was born. The foundation’s motto, “Alma, Magia y Corazón” (Soul, Magic, and Heart), reflects its mission to bring joy, support, and a sense of normality to young patients. “It has been 18 years since Luis left us and 15 since we started the foundation, accompanying children who are ill with cancer. It’s so important to help the families as well. Boys, girls, brothers, sisters, mums, dads, grandparents, even.” The foundation currently helps 800 families in all of Andalucia. Andrés tells us that their services and fundraising go towards everything from speech therapy to psychological therapy, economic support for families, and even funeral costs when necessary.
Lion Wynson’s dream to gift joyous memories
Lion Wynson Beswick, who came up with the idea, said, “I have been a long time with the Lions. I used to be president, and I always wanted to do something for children with cancer. As a grandmother, I know that you can buy something for children, they play with it, and then it’s forgotten. So, I said, “Can we give the children experiences? A memory of the day?” That’s something that will stay with them forever.”
And for the third year, they did come, and en masse for an unforgettable day of fun together, splashing around together in the pool, playing at the games stalls the Lions had set up, even learning to play the bodhrán, all followed by a huge barbecue laid on at the tennis club.
This is the third time that the La Cala Lions have used funds raised from their events to host a party for the families of children diagnosed with cancer. “It’s a marvellous thing for 34 families to have a beautiful day together at Miraflores Tennis Club,” Andres Olivares said.
ADIMI joins the party for a day of togetherness
ADIMI, based in La Cala Hills, was also there. “We have had a close relationship with the Lions for many years, and this is a wonderful day of togetherness where all the children and families meet. It’s the second time we’ve participated with families supported by ADIMI who have a lot of connection with other families here, so we’re very content.”
Yet again, the Costa del Sol community’s generosity has gone to one of the best of causes, via the La Cala Lions, bringing smiles and laughter to where it is most needed.
