From today until Saturday, May 31, the Mercado de Colón is hosting a charity market aimed at fulfilling the dreams of hospitalized children and young people by providing them with emotional support. This organization has been working with the region’s hospitals for 22 years and has already fulfilled the dreams of more than 1,500 little Valencian warriors.  The Mayor of Valencia, Maria José Catalá, inaugurated the Solidarity Market organized by the Pequeño Deseo Foundation at the Colón Market in Valencia, which will run until Saturday, May 31, at 8:30 p.m. She was accompanied by Maria José Ferrer San Segundo, First Deputy Mayor; Jose Manglano, President of the Colón Merchants Association; and Ignacio Calabuig, Manager of AUMSA, along with Marta Miró, Coordinator of the Foundation’s Delegation in the Valencian Community. More than 30 brands of fashion, jewellery, children’s items, and many more products are participating to raise money that will be donated entirely to Pequeño Deseo’s projects in the Valencian Community.

The Foundation has been collaborating with hospitals throughout Spain for 25 years, providing emotional support to children and adolescents with serious illnesses to achieve their dreams. Since its inception, it has granted more than 7,300 wishes, 1,522 of which have been in Valencia, where it has been present for 22 years. This figure also includes children from Murcia and Albacete served by the community at four centers: La Fe Hospital, the Hospital Clínico de Valencia, the General Hospital of Alicante, and the Lluis Alcanyís Hospital in Játiva.

“This is a very beautiful and important initiative because it focuses on what is truly essential: caring for the hope, the hearts, and the emotional well-being of our children who are going through a difficult time. The Pequeño Deseo Foundation does extraordinary work, bringing them hope and joy. Fulfilling their dreams not only excites them, but also gives them the strength to keep going… I am very happy to be here, supporting this initiative, a demonstration of how Valencian society knows how to unite for causes that truly matter, and which once again demonstrates that Valencia is a caring, committed, and sensitive city for those who need it most,” said Mayor María José Catalá, who has been showing her solidarity and support for this foundation, which is so important for so many sick children in Valencia, for years.

According to Marta Miró : “ It‘s a joy to be participating in the market again, due to the tremendous work it does to raise awareness and the participation of a large number of companies committed to this mission. We also encourage Valencians to come and spend a pleasant day while supporting a good cause.”

Paula Dolcet, Verónica Lara, Pachi Viñoles, Laura and Gadea Fitera, Marta Nieto, Marta Vilar, Marta Molina, and Paticia Manbamate are Valencian influencers who came to the Mercado de Colón not only to enjoy the market but also to have a snack at Mi Cub, where they serve local, locally sourced, and very Valencian products all day long. But what they appreciated most was being able to buy a wide variety of products at very competitive prices and, at the same time, feel the satisfaction of helping children and adolescents achieve their dreams, helping them cope better with their illness and maintain hope.

The fair will be held at the Mercado de Colón in Valencia (C/ Jorge Juan 19) on May 29, 30, and 31, and will be open continuously from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

About the Little Wish Foundation:

The Pequeño Deseo Foundation has been working since 2000 to grant the wishes of children with serious and chronic illnesses, providing emotional support and making their illness more manageable. Scientifically proven, the granting of a wish generates positive emotions in children that have a tremendous impact on their well-being and those around them. Over the years, we have granted more than 7,000 wishes.

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’