Fuengirola clubs, societies and charities fête kicks off

THIS weekend sees the relaunch of Fuengirola's annual clubs and societies fair and charity market after the pandemic put paid to the 2020 version – 15 associations will be holding stalls in the Plaza de la Constitución from tomorrow (Friday, November 12) through to Sunday, November 14 inclusive.

Pre-loved goods and handicrafts will be on sale throughout the square, with the proceeds of sale going towards the sterling work of the charitable organisations based in the Costa del Sol town.

Councillor Rocío Rodríguez, who is project-managing the fête, points out that as well as showcasing hobbies clubs and charities and raising their profile, the flea market or rastro – as these are known in Spanish – will help encourage a circular economy, where unwanted goods can find a new home rather than clogging up landfill sites.

Also, the societies and clubs get a unique chance to network with each other and find ways to work together.

Locally born-and-bred residents and expats of numerous nationalities are behind the multi-cultural, multi-faceted hobbies and charities scene in Fuengirola, a coastal town which is immensely proud of its cosmopolitan nature – and many of them will be very keen to hear from those who would like to volunteer.

The 15 associations out on the streets from Friday to Sunday are Cudeca, AFA, Avates, the Women in Equality Association, APAFFER, the local branch of Spain's main cancer care and research charity AECC, poverty relief charity Cáritas – which runs food banks across Spain – the Costa del Sol International Women's Association, the Red Cross, Cooperación Hondurás, Málaga Acoge, AVOI, the Mothers' Network, AFESOL, and ADINTRE.

They include organisations working for people living in poverty, for domestic violence victims, for underprivileged children, plus animal rescue shelters, international aid foundations, and plenty more.