The BBF is hosting a summer garden party at the UK Ambassador’s residence in Madrid. The charity is seeking sponsors and donors to help its mission. By Eugene Costello
The British Benevolent Fund (BBF) is hosting a summer garden party at the UK Ambassador’s residence in Madrid. It will be an evening event on 9 July with canapés served and live music throughout the event. The charity is seeking sponsors and donors to help its mission. The British Benevolent Fund is one of the oldest English-speaking charities in Spain. It exists to support British residents and visitors who are experiencing financial hardship through unforeseen life events.
It has records dating back more than a century and works with British consulates and charities across Spain to act as a charity of last resort when Brits are in need of financial support in extreme circumstances.
It is staffed exclusively by volunteers who give up their time selflessly to help those in need. Its committee is made up of trustees who also support the charity financially. Their honorary patron is Sir Alex Ellis, HM Ambassador to Spain. The BBF organises numerous fundraising events throughout the year, such as bag packing and a summer garden party.
Breakdown in Benidorm
A case two years ago saw a 28-year-old Brit collapse while in Benidorm to celebrate his 29th birthday. The Type-1 diabetic collapsed suddenly in the street and ended up in the intensive care unit. The initial diagnosis on admission said that his collapse was due to hypoglycemic encephalopathy (extremely low blood glucose). He was admitted straight to the facility’s ICU where surgeons performed a tracheotomy and inserted a feeding tube. As a result of hydrocephalus – a build-up of fluid – he also suffered seizures and swelling of the brain.
His family discovered that because he did not declare on the holiday insurance forms that he had T1D, he was not covered for repatriation costs. His mother received much-needed financial assistance from the BBF.
The BBF is an essential lifeline for British residents in Spain or those visiting. It relies exclusively on donations and you can do something to give back to this wonderful charity.
It is hosting its annual flagship event, a garden party at the Madid residence of the UK Ambassador to Spain. Sir Alex Ellis says, “It is a great honour to be a patron of the British Benevolent Fund in Spain and support their help to vulnerable British people in Spain.
“I am grateful to the British Benevolent Fund for their close collaboration with our consulates across Spain: by working together, we are providing essential support to those who need it most.
“Your support of the BBF, whatever form it may take, is highly appreciated.”
How you can help
The BBF is seeking sponsors for this event. In return for a pledge of support, businesses will have the opportunity to attend the Residence with their branding on associated publicity material.
There will be live music, canapés and drinks provided for those that attend.
They are also seeking donors to provide raffle prizes for a draw to take place at the event. These could be products, experiences or days out. Perhaps a weekend break at your accommodation or vouchers for your business offering boat tours, padel and surf lessons or even English-language driving lessons. The only limit is your imagination.
The BBF hopes to raise 10,000€ in sponsorship and donations that will allow it to continue directing help towards those who most need it. It is a wonderful charity. Please show your support.
• To register your interest please visit https://www.britishbenevolentfund.org/event-details/summer-at-the-residence