The Army, the Civil Guard, the National Police, Local Police, Firefighters, Forestry Brigades, Samur, and Civil Protection will be mobilised on December 12 to assist with the collection for the Solidarity Telemarathon #CompartirCanarias, which will take place at MercaTenerife. This event, to be broadcast live on the channel managed by Manuel Artiles, aims to provide assistance to over 40,000 Canarians living in severe poverty, particularly the 6,000 children enduring such circumstances.
The most significant solidarity initiative in the Archipelago also benefits from the collaboration of Intesa Canarias, which routinely provides its fleet of trucks to support the event. Overall, more than 100 vehicles will ensure that the generosity of the islanders reaches vulnerable families.
This Telemarathon represents an unparalleled logistical operation, aimed at ensuring that the contributions from individuals, organisations, and businesses benefit 228 non-governmental organisations and entities through the Archipelago’s Food Banks. To streamline this process, Mírame Televisión has formed agreements with two shipping companies that will transfer donations across all the islands.
A solidarity initiative initiated in 2008
This solidarity initiative by Mírame Televisión originated during the 2008 crisis in response to the dire circumstances faced by Canarians and has relied on the goodwill of the islanders for over a decade to assist the most vulnerable. Chronic poverty is a longstanding issue in the islands. According to the XIV Report on The State of Poverty published by the European Network to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion in October this year, 33.8% of the population—nearly 750,000 individuals—are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Essentially, one in three Canarians is in a precarious situation.
Moreover, the average income in the Canary Islands is a mere 10,116 euros per year, the lowest in Spain, while it is also the region where the cost of the shopping basket has risen the most over the past year, reporting a 12% increase. This is compounded by the housing crisis, the gender disparity, and insufficient support for families with minors, according to the same report.
These statistics underscore the pressing need for solidarity. This year, the Food Banks will also not receive European funds to assist the most disadvantaged families.
Within this context, the network aims, as with previous efforts, to ensure that this significant solidarity event provides relief to families in desperate situations. Consequently, they are requesting the donation of non-perishable food, essential baby products, clothing, footwear, new toys, and personal hygiene supplies.
The organisers of the Solidarity Telemarathon have established authorised collection points to facilitate contributions from the public. Updates on these collection points can be found on the website www.mirametv.com, on the group’s social media platforms, and through the network’s special programming.
Additionally, Mírame Televisión has provided a telephone number for groups, businesses, and organisations wishing to become official collection points or make donations: 691 62 57 97 and via email at [email protected]. These channels are available for anyone wishing to participate in the largest solidarity initiative in the Canary Islands.
