Cádiz CF Foundation has received recognition for the best community social initiative in favor of the rights of the elderly, awarded by the HelpAge International Spain Foundation in collaboration with the laCaixa Foundation and the Rey Ardid Foundation.
Manuel Vizcaíno, president of Cádiz CF, received this award from the president of HelpAge Spain, Isabel María Martínez Lozano, during the VIII International Forum ‘Living More, Living Better,’ held this Monday at CaixaForum in Zaragoza.
HelpAge presented this award to the Cádiz CF Foundation in recognition of its efforts to prevent the eviction of an 88-year-old woman, María Muñoz, from the El Pópulo neighborhood in Cádiz last August. The foundation decided to purchase the apartment, where María Muñoz has lived for 50 years, from its owners, allowing her to continue residing there.
In his speech, the president of Cádiz CF emphasized, "Cádiz CF Foundation was created with the goal of giving back to society what society gives us." He explained that the foundation "is funded thanks to donations from Cádiz CF players, which is something not widely known." He added, "Although we live in a society that increasingly turns a deaf ear, because our daily lives make us block out the world, I have the habit of listening to the radio in the mornings, and every day I heard about María's problem." The club "investigated, asked questions, and we realized it was an injustice. I’m not sure if we did the right thing or not—I believe we did—but I do know we did something just. We are here to make things as fair as possible."
For her part, the president of HelpAge Spain noted, "This year, when thinking about a solidary initiative that had a significant impact, we recalled an initiative that was widely covered in the media months ago. María, like many people in this country, faced the pressure of an eviction from a home she had lived in since 1967, and she was asked to leave. Fortunately, thanks to the solidary actions of our society and Cádiz CF, María’s fundamental right to housing was safeguarded. We believed that on such an important day, it was essential to recognize Cádiz CF and thank them for their solidary act of purchasing the apartment so María could continue living in her home. We hope no other elderly person has to experience the trauma of eviction, and in this case, we appreciate Cádiz CF’s initiative to ensure María can continue living with the dignity she deserves."
María Muñoz and her daughter, Eva Orihuela, who have expressed their gratitude to Cádiz CF on numerous occasions, were present at the event and accompanied Manuel Vizcaíno in receiving the award in Zaragoza.
In statements made to the club's official media, Eva expressed her pride, calling it "a very beautiful experience," while also offering her "lifelong" thanks to both the Foundation and the club president for "this humane act they’ve done for my mother, allowing her to stay in her home. It was about time she found peace."
María Muñoz also expressed her happiness, saying, "I'm very pleased with everything. They have treated me very well."
The VIII International Forum ‘Living More, Living Better,’ now in its eighth year, featured prominent specialists in the study of aging, demographic change, and the challenges of growing older in the 21st century.
HelpAge collaborates in this forum with the laCaixa Foundation, one of Spain’s most significant social program entities, and the Rey Ardid Foundation, a group of non-profit organizations that has been providing care, support, and integration for vulnerable people for over 30 years. Today, the foundation serves around 15,000 people thanks to the work of more than 2,250 qualified staff members and 132 volunteers. The foundation operates 17 senior residences.
HelpAge International Spain helps the elderly claim their rights, fight against discrimination, and overcome poverty to enjoy a dignified, safe, active, and healthy life. It is part of the global HelpAge International network, which includes 177 organizations in 93 countries.
It is worth noting that this October 1st is International Day of Older Persons.