Each week, Torrevieja’s Food Bank provides meals for up to 300 people and more than 50 families. During Christmas week more than 200 people will be fed or provided with special ‘festive packages’. Many of these families, who come from all different nationalities, have children, who also miss out over Christmas.
So in order to provide something a little bit special for Christmas or the Magic Kings, Freddie and Carol Samrai organised a ‘Christmas Shoebox’ drive, through local Freemason Lodges, for some of these underprivileged children of Torrevieja.
Thanks to lost of local support and many anonymous donations from members and friends of the Caledonia Lodge No. 68, Torrevieja Installed Master No. 108, Old Tower Lodge No. 49, Salvador Artesano Torrevieja, The Christmas Shop San Luis and the Commercial Chino Torrevieja, they managed to pack 100 shoeboxes with gifts for children of the families supported by Alimentos Solidarios.
The money raised by the different lodges was done through Ladies Nights, BBQ days and many other functions throughout the year. Many Masons also donated independently as did the Quesada Ladies Club.
There were a few emotional moments during the handing over of the boxes, due to the gratitude shown by the charity organisers, on behalf of the families. Freddie and Carol wanted to thank all those involved for their overwhelming generosity, and to thank them all on behalf of the children of Torrevieja.
