Community support for Gandia’s Franciscan Brotherhood shelter for homeless men

THE Costa Blanca community continues to get behind Gandia’s Franciscan Brotherhood’s shelter for homeless men with the local Masonic Lodge making the latest donation of €500.

Dino Trubbianelli of I Love Albir was on hand to accept the cheque on behalf of The Franciscan Hospice at Palma de Gandia which provides a home and nursing care for more than 60 homeless men, many of whom suffer from mental and/or physical illness, while some are terminally ill.

Without the refuge, these men would otherwise be on the streets and unlikely to survive without this special care.

This wonderful place is a refuge of love and charity and all nationalities and creeds are accepted.

The Original Charity Shop and Library in Javea raised cash to upgrade facilities, and every year donates €6,000 to buy hygiene requirements and medicines. They also supply €100 each Saturday to provide a three-course lunch for the residents, kindly prepared by willing volunteers.

And Euro Weekly News’ very own columnist, chef Dani Bowers, will be cooking the weekly lunch on February 22.

The facility is a cross between a UK hospice, a nursing home and a refuge for the homeless, and is funded entirely by charitable donations, they do not receive state aid or official grants.

Three Franciscan Brothers Guillermo, Pepe and Martin, together with two Nuns, are assisted by local volunteers and care for the residents around the clock.