(ANS - León) – The NGO Jóvenes y Desarrollo has launched an initiative to raise funds for the construction of three homes for children in Peru. It is a solidarity march called "Between the peaks: from Curueño to the Andes". The first march will take place on Sunday 22 June near León.  It is eight kilometres long and suitable for all age groups.

The solidarity march will start at 11.30 a.m. from the town of Aviados and end at the Valdesol hotel in La Vecilla where participants will share a paella and celebrate their achievement with music and recreational activities. "The goal is not only to raise funds for a project in Peru, but also to educate people, because the most important thing is to change your mindset, through music and culture," said the Vice-President of Jóvenes y Desarrollo, Luis Martin Cabello.

The solidarity march has the support of two well-known athletes, Manuel Martínez and Ursula Ruiz. Martinez is the best shot putter Spain has ever had. He said, "Supporting such activities seems to me something logical, as they are a cultural and social development of the first order. That such initiatives should be organized in a province like Leon says a lot about the people there."

Ursula Ruiz, who is also a shot putter, said much the same. When invited to participate, she says she did not have to think for even a second.

Camino Rivero, a volunteer from Jóvenes y Desarrollo, said the project will improve the lives of children in Calca, Lares and Amparaes, Peru, where people live about 4,000 metres above sea level and many things are lacking. They will provide three shelters called "Casitas" (houses), where children can go to school and receive health care.

The initiative is supported also by the National Network of Spanish Railways, which has agreed a very low price for people travelling to and from Leon. Travelling by train will mean a reduction in harmful emissions, compared to road travel. Cheap travel is provided also from Hosteleón, which provides the ingredients for the paella; from  Fidecot, Proyecto Joven and the programme of La Caixa, the Madrigal bakery in La Vecilla  and the communes of Valdepiélago and La Vecilla, as well as the local commune.

Participants in the solidarity march have to buy a book of tickets  that costs  €10 for adults and €5 for children under 11 years. In return they will get a bib, lunch, participation in activities and the train journey for €2.  A small T-shirt can be had for an additional payment, starting from €5.

Published 18/06/2014