La Chocolatada fundraising initiative took place at the Puerta de la Alpujarra Campsite on Saturday, 30th October to raise much-needed funds to assist Mysmallhelp.UK in partnership with the Peruvian charity, Paksay.

More than €3,000 were raised to provide underprivileged children in towns and remote communities with the ‘chocolatada navidena’ – a Peruvian custom of giving hot chocolate, sweet breads and a gift just before Christmas.

Hundreds of supporters from the Alpujarra attended this event, which was only made possible with the assistance of more than 25 volunteers and the generosity of local businesses and shops in providing gifts, raffle prizes and donations. And on the day supporters parted with their Euros on many stalls.

They could buy homemade cakes, jams and pickles, rummage on the bric-a-brac stall, dig into the lucky dip, have their children’s faces painted, buy raffle tickets or guess the weight of the giant squash! And much, much more!

One of the highlights of the event was an Auction of Favours, which was fronted by local author, Chris Stewart, who was keen to support the event, but first to acknowledge he has no experience as an auctioneer.

However, through the generous donations of 10 ‘favours’ and Chris pushed the bids up and nearly €400 was raised from this single activity.

Organiser of the event, Meg Robinson, said, “I am overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and kindness and want to thank everyone who had helped and attended. This will make such a difference to these children. And it’s still not too late to help. You can donate on-line at www.justgiving.com/CHOCOLATADA-peru. She went on to say she hopes the event will be repeated next October.

For further information and photographs – please contact Diane Howe Howe875@googlemail.com or 958 784560.