2011 Spain - Thank you from EMAUS |
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Thank you...
When the Spain fixture was announced we thought that we might struggle to find a children’s charity as desperate as those we’ve come across in Eastern or central Europe.
Unfortunately we were wrong, the children supported by EMAUS have the same heart-wrenching stories that we come across in less developed countries while the funding situation for the organisation is dire.
EMAUS run a group of 12 homes in the Alicante area supporting babies and children up to the age of 18. The children have either been removed from or abandoned by their parents for a variety of reasons ranging from poverty to abuse.
Government funding has been cut to the minimum to the extent that even basics such as nappies aren’t available without donations.
After months of discussions with EMAUS representative Tony we agreed to make a £15,000 grant towards the development of a sports area on a waste ground behind their main home. This project will meet TACC’s aims of adding some fun, recreation and sport into the lives of the children who deserve and need it the most. The pictures below are what it looks like now; we’re really looking forward to seeing the “after” photos.
As always we also funded a party to mark our visit on Monday 10th October, with several TACC supporters and of course the Caledonian Brewery Pipe Band. The pipers stole the show as usual by walking down the road to the home to the cheers of the children. The band’s mascot Monkey was also a big hit.
After a slap up lunch of paella we had a kick about with the children, letting them win of course……honest.
And in the evening some of the children were able to go to the Spain match, an priceless treat for them courtesy of TACC and the Stratford End Bar in Alicante.
Unfortunately we aren’t able to show any of the children in our photos as it could put them in danger.
Lastly we organised a truckload of bay and toddler clothes and toys donated by Scotland supporters.
After the trip we received this email from the Governess of EMAUS to TACC’s Ally Hunter who along with John Deans organised the Spain donation.
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