The 28th Edition of the Solidarity Award 2024, orchestrated by the Tenerife Isla Solidaria Programme, has recognised individuals, organisations, educational institutions, media outlets, and various bodies that have advanced social inclusion, equitable opportunities, and support for the most vulnerable demographics through their projects or initiatives.

This significant occasion, now a hallmark in the realm of solidarity, celebrated efforts whose beneficial impact enhances the quality of life for numerous individuals and communities, presenting 16 awards along with 2 runner-up prizes to volunteer organisations and individual volunteers across the island of Tenerife.

The awards ceremony, hosted at the Tenerife Fairgrounds, attracted representatives from social, business, and governmental sectors for a night filled with emotion and appreciation. The event was presided over by the Island Councillor of Social Action, Inclusion, Volunteering, and Citizen Participation, Águeda Fumero, with notable attendance from the CEO of Sinpromi, Adal García, as well as other local dignitaries.

Águeda Fumero stated, “With these awards, we at the Cabildo, through the Tenerife Isla Solidaria Programme, aim to acknowledge the volunteering efforts taking place across the island in all social sectors,” with the objective of “highlighting, recognising, and promoting the actions of volunteers and solidarity initiatives, across 10 award categories, for their contribution to society as a whole, with particular focus on the most vulnerable groups.”

The Minister of Social Action praised the commitment of all volunteers, especially the awardees, noting, “They embody the finest values of our society, dedicating their best efforts towards creating a fairer and more equitable world.”

During the event, initiatives showcasing the diversity and richness of Tenerife’s solidarity landscape were honoured. Recognised were the contributions of the Heart and Life Associations of the Canary Islands; the Association of Adoptive and Foster Families (COPILE); the Migrant Entrepreneurs Association “AME”; the ACCEM Association and Club Montañeros de Nivaria, along with educational institutions IES Los Cardones, IES La Laboral La Laguna, and IES San Matías. As for individual volunteers, María Asela Benítez from Cáritas Diocesana; María Inmaculada González from Doctors of the World; Carmen Luisa González from Proyecto Hombre; and botanist and conservationist Wolfredo Wildpret received accolades. In the category for women leading projects, Luz Marina Rosales from the Red Cross and Bárbara Rostecka, sociology lecturer at the Universities of La Laguna and UNED, were also recognised.

In the media sector, the “So We Are” programme on RTVC and Radio Isora was awarded. Lastly, in the Public Administration Category, the Environmental Participation and Volunteering Office of the Cabildo of Tenerife, alongside the General Directorate of Emigration of the Government of the Canary Islands, received notable distinction.

Through this initiative, the 28th Edition of the Solidarity Award reiterated its dedication to fostering a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere, recognising those who, through their daily efforts, create a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals across various dimensions of society.