Who Cares? Algorfa, of course!
I’ve often referred to Algorfa as ‘The Little Pueblo With a Big Heart,’ and there’s a reason for that. Algorfa is not just a beautiful place to live, it’s home to some of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. With its voluntary organisations, community groups and charities, nobody needs to go without company or the necessities of life. The people of Algorfa make sure of that, because Algorfa cares.
The only problem with writing about this topic is that the people behind the groups prefer to remain unsung heroes, so it’s difficult to find out much information to share. Also, I am including in this some groups outside Algorfa, simply because they help people in our town and don’t expect to be paid for it. This is the only place on the main Algorfa pages where you’ll see organisations from outside the area, but I think it’s important to share this information.
In June 2021, when my friend and housemate Glenys had a stroke, the support of the Stroke Associaton and Help at Home Costa Blanca was invaluable, particularly since when she was sent home, she couldn’t walk and was able to do very little for herself. Spanish health care is amazing, but there is a tendency to discharge the patients as soon as possible, without checking on the home situation, since typically Spanish families rally around to organise domestic care. If you’re on your own here, and feeling vulnerable, it can be rather intimidating to be sent home before you feel able to cope. The good news is, there’s plenty of voluntary support available for anyone who needs it.
Whether you need practical help, need to hire mobility aids for yourself or visitors, or simply need some company when you feel a bit lonely, there’s someone Around Algorfa you can call on. Here’s a round up of the help available to those who need it.
Run by the people of Algorfa, for Algorfa, Amigos de Algorfa has involved most of the residents in one way or another. The Facebook Page, run by Andrea Vattes, serves as a general information point as well as an advertising medium for charity events. You can request help for those in need in Algorfa, donate to Amigos or drop off raffle prizes and other items at Quentin’s post room and gift shop, opposite the farmacia at Avenida Maria del Mar Rodriguez 21. Amigos de Algorfa helps anyone in Algorfa who needs it, and works in close collaboration with the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) and the Mayor of Algorfa, Manuel Ros Rodes.
Algorfa Street Cats is not a charity, but it does some amazing work for the animals of Algorfa, which in turn improves the quality of life for residents, as the small group of volunteers behind the group trap and neuter feral cats, arrange for veterinary treatment for those who need it and rehome cats where possible. In 2021, they trapped and neutered 65 cats, and rehomed more than 20 cats and kittens. They rely on donations and fundraising through stalls at local events. Contact them through their Facebook page for more information, or if you know of a cat who may need help.
Lo Crispin Residents Cultural Association
Based on Lo Crispin, but open to all residents of Algorfa, this is a registered charity that organises various day trips, short breaks and other events, as well as supporting local fundraising initiatives with events throughout the year. They work in close collaboration with the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) and the Mayor of Algorfa, Manuel Ros Rodes. Find out more about the association through their Facebook Page, or pop into Lo Crispin Tavern on Fridays from 12.30 to meet members of the Association and socialise with local residents.
If you’ve been to any fiestas and events Around Algorfa, it’s more than likely that you’ve heard and enjoyed the Enthusiasticals. This community singing group is the brainchild of La Finca residents Linda Cunningham and Janette Benson. Any level of ability is okay to join. You don’t have to be Taylor Swift or Alfie Boe, you just have to be – Enthusiastical! The group practices on Mondays and performs at local events, giving their services free and rattling their buckets for the benefit of local deserving causes. Find out more about the association through their Facebook Page.
General help across the Costa Blanca
These organisations are not specific to Algorfa, but are available across the region. Click on the links to talk about what you need.
Registered charity Help Vega Baja has served the local area for more than 40 years, and is aimed at people who make their home in Spain. They have two membership plans, which are detailed on the website and come with a number of benefits. Standard plan is just €10 a year, and the newly launched Premium plan is €20 annually. This entitles members to a range of benefits, including hospital visiting, translation services, befriending and support for people of ages. They have a centre and charity shop in San Miguel and rely on local support and volunteers. More details on the website.
Covering the area between Pilar de la Horradada and La Marina, the focus of this charity organisation is to do what it says on the tin and help people of all ages across the region. Their services are too broad ranging for a feature like this, so check out the website. They can offer help with mobility aids, transport, shopping, respite care, befriending and advice on applying for benefits. They rely on charity shops and local fund raising events to fund their services, which are free at the point of delivery.
Based in Benijofar, where they have a Rehab Centre and charity shop, Stroke Association Spain is a charitable organisation with trained physiotherapists and counsellors who work to provide support to stroke patients, in addition to hospital rehabilitation services. They can visit you at home to assess your needs, or you can contact them through their Facebook Page to arrange to talk to someone at the Rehab Centre.
When you feel at your most vulnerable, it’s good to know there are selfless people who are there to help you through your challenges. We are fortunate to have so many organisations Around Algorfa who are there when we need them. This list will be updated regularly and pinned for convenience. Please let us know if there are other organisations active in the area so we can publicise their work and raise their profile to bring in donations and volunteers.
