Brits recognised for their charity by the Consul

It is not just the town hall in Orihuela that has recognised the generosity of Brits here on the Costa Blanca.

The British Consul, Paul Rodwell and his Alicante-based team launched the ConeXiones project, an initiative to get charities and associations working alongside social services and Spanish charities. Rodwell says that he is constantly amazed at how the British community strives to help others regardless of their nationalities.

HEROES
“Since I arrived on the Costa Blanca in August 2010, there has not been a day that I have not been struck by the amazing capacity of Brits to help others in need. On my visits up and down the coast, I regularly come into contact with unsung heroes who not only help British tourists and residents but anyone who is vulnerable and in need, regardless of nationality,” he told the free newspaper, Round Town News.

“I shudder to think of how we at the Consulate would cope if such a support network did not exist.”

And Mr Rodwell added: “Countless Spanish authorities have remarked to me how incredulous and impressed they are that Brits seem to have this innate ability to help others.
“What with the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, we have lots of reasons to be proud but our volunteer sector and sense of social responsibility also takes some beating.

“Thanks from all the team here At the British consulate for all the help Brits give others – you are amazing ambassadors for our country! Merry Christmas to every one of you.”

Statistics reveal there has been a “dramatic rise” in poverty, hunger and inequality in Spain since the outbreak of the economic crisis in 2008 – while draconian austerity measures have sliced into social services, health care and education budgets. It is heart-warming to read that the British community here are doing what they can to help.