The Casa Museo del Campesino hosted this Thursday the I Solidarity Gala "Embracing Diversity", an event that marks a historical milestone in Lanzarote by bringing together the business community and the Third Sector in a joint initiative to support the most vulnerable people on the island.
Organized jointly by the Cabildo de Lanzarote, through the Area of Social Welfare, and the Circle of Entrepreneurs of Lanzarote, the gala managed to raise nearly 120,000 euros, specifically 100,000 euros contributed by the entrepreneurs of the island and about 20,000 euros more from the sale of tickets by the different associations. The total amount raised will be allocated to 40 projects of Lanzarote's social entities, whose purpose is to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable, marking a before and after in public-private collaboration, and reinforcing the values of solidarity and inclusion as essential pillars for the development of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
The president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, highlighted in his speech the pioneering nature of this initiative. "Lanzarote stands as a model to follow, beyond our island borders, showing how the public-private partnership should be in a new concept of governance, where everyone thinks of the other, in seeking the happiness to which every human being aspires."
Betancort acknowledged the role that, in a very special way, Corporate Social Responsibility plays in Lanzarote within the island's companies. "Our businessmen, businesswomen and entrepreneurs, with their good knowledge and business acumen, are not only the engine generating employment and wealth for the island, but they have understood, and understand, that, within their legitimate aspiration to obtain benefits, these must also benefit the whole of Lanzarote society, and very especially, the less favored people of our society." The president also stressed the key role of associations and social groups, thanking them for their tireless work for the most vulnerable people. "You are the mirror where public managers should look at ourselves. Thank you for your effort and solidarity, which remind us every day why we are here."
Lanzarote and La Graciosa, examples for the Canary Islands
The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, also attended this first solidarity gala, who acknowledged the involvement of the Cabildo de Lanzarote and the business sector to launch this initiative that "will make it easier the arduous task carried out by forty entities of the Third Sector in Lanzarote and therefore, improve the lives of the most vulnerable people and their families on this island." In this context Clavijo stressed that "the best way to respond to the needs of citizens, as best we can respond to their problems and transform society is working together and this solidarity gala in which the business sector of Lanzarote and social entities together with the Cabildo shake hands is an example of this."
For his part, the Minister of Social Welfare, Marci Acuña, added that "this gala is a clear sign that when we work together, we overcome barriers and generate a lasting impact. Our commitment to inclusion and solidarity drives us to continue supporting those who need it most."
A unique meeting with a cohesive spirit
The most emotional moment of the night was the presentation of awards to the beneficiary social entities and to Mrs. Hiniesta Tábora, president of Afacoda, for her career in the defense of social rights. In addition, the collaborating companies received a distinctive sculpture designed by the local artist Guio Santana, as a symbol of their commitment to inclusion.
José Valle, president of the Circle of Entrepreneurs of Lanzarote, described the event as "the most inspiring project in which I have had the honor of participating." "We have exceeded," he stressed, "all expectations thanks to the extraordinary involvement of the business community, which has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to this initiative. This project is a prominent example of the successful public-private collaboration that we can proudly point to as a benchmark on our island. A collaboration that not only has a regional impact, but today has set a precedent by providing significant support to the third sector."
Valle was convinced that "this joint initiative will have a long journey, not only because of the unwavering commitment of the Island Council to the most vulnerable, but also because the Lanzarote business community is distinguished by its spirit of solidarity and constant collaboration. Beyond this achievement, this milestone should open new opportunities to establish links with entities hitherto unknown to entrepreneurs, allowing new projects to be discovered and supported that benefit the entire community."
The gala, which was also attended by the president of Parliament, Astrid Pérez, and the Minister of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture, Migdalia Machín, among other authorities, was enlivened by the musical performances of Toñín Corujo and Acerina Toledo. In addition, the nearly 400 attendees were able to enjoy a menu prepared by the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers, reflecting the commitment to sustainability and support for local products.