The president of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Esperanza y Vida Canarias, Miguel Gil, announces the closure of his foundation as of July 31 if he does not get a new location. This project gives food, clothing and shoes to more than 750 residents of Arrecife. "Despite all our efforts to try to continue, the NGO will be forced to close its doors by not receiving a response from the institutions," he began in a statement. "We have written to the president of the Cabildo and the mayor of Arrecife and they have left us on read," he laments.
Miguel Gil works as a maintenance worker in a hotel in Yaiza, in his free time, during the mornings, and with his salary he offers help to his neighbors in Arrecife. In this case, he only asks for a place in the capital, even if he has to pay rent, to be able to continue helping. As the payments are made from his salary, he cannot afford to face more than 500 euros.
For four years this foundation has been offering help to the residents of Arrecife. For eight years Miguel Gil has been offering clothing and footwear to families and people who need it, but as of 2019 he also joined the distribution of food. In the most difficult times of the coronavirus pandemic, Esperanza y Vida Canarias continued to offer service. "Many people were in need throughout the island," recalls the president of the NGO.
"During these years of the pandemic, we have been by the side of the people, helping and bringing food to all parts of the island, both in food, clothing, footwear and toys, we have fought non-stop, day after day. We have spent more than 35,000 euros out of our pocket. Spent with heart. Without asking anything in return," he assures La Voz.
Due to this imminent closure if a place does not appear that can be rented for less than 500 euros, he thanks all the volunteers and companies that "put a grain of sand" to be by the side of the people, helping and bringing food to all parts of the island.
The food that they distribute to the citizens comes from Aldi, Dinosol and the Food Bank. However, they do not have any public aid.
To fulfill Miguel Ángel Gil wanted to "especially thank my wife for her sacrifice and dedication in these years. Despite her hard work".
In conclusion, he highlights that "this stage of my life comes to an end, not having space, place or premises, it only remains to thank the Arrecife Food Bank, the Hiperdino and Aldi Foundation, for the help they gave us at all times. Thank all the people who helped us so much in clothing, footwear or toys, we have worked for our land and our people like no one else. I can only say, thank you, thank you and thank you for everything".