Bay Radio's 'Be Nice Day'

JIGSAW marathon, beach pram race, joke-a-thon, bathing in baked beans, back-to-front dress day and even an Elvis look-a-like dog competition are just some of the crazy ideas being organised to support ‘Be Nice Day.’

An event scheduled for Sunday May 6th that is forecast to become the biggest charity fund raising day ever held on the Costas, according to organisers Bay Radio, and at the same time, put the fun back into fund raising.

Teams from as far afield as La Drova (Valencia) in the north to Mojacar (Almeria) in the south, have already pledged their support to what is expected to become a regular annual event, similar in context to UK’s ‘Red Nose Day,’ or ‘Children in Need.’

The brainchild of Radio charity coordinator, ‘Magpie,’ ‘Be Nice Day’ has been organised to raise money for Caritas, the church based charity dedicated to help feed families thrown into poverty through unemployment.

At present, 40% of jobless people within the Valencia community have no form of income and rely totally on Caritas or town halls where applicable, for food parcels to survive.

Magpie told the EWN that two separate categories will be happening throughout the Costas on May 6th.

A 5km mass walk in every major town and village with entrants donating €5 each to charity and a multitude of smaller sponsored fun raisers taking place on the same day through the ingenuity of bars, clubs, restaurants businesses and charities.

All she asks is that 15% of all monies raised are donated to Caritas, the balance sent to local charities.

The response to date has been overwhelming with many local councils entering into the spirit of ‘Be Nice day’ by backing the walk with food, music festivals and in one case, allowing walkers access to the town hall toilets.

The event will be broadcast throughout the day, starting at 11.15am with reports on the charity walks and individual fun stunts. In addition, prizes will be offered in the following categories.

The largest amount raised by a team. Most sponsors from an individual. Most sponsors from a team.

Best costume and best overall event raising the most for their cause.

If you know or work for an organisation, bar, shop, business or charity that would like to become involved, please contact the radio station for further details. 

By Benny Davis