The Gremi de Carnissers, Xarcuters i Aviram de Barcelona i Comarques in collaboration with the Gremi de Carnissers Xarcuters de Valencia, has launched an important solidarity campaign in support of professionals in the sector in Valencia, whose businesses have been seriously affected by the DANA.
“As soon as we realized the magnitude of the tragedy, we contacted Raquel Vañó, president of the Guild of Valencia and its manager Lourdes de Manuel and made ourselves available to help them in any way possible,” explains Antoni Gálvez, president of the Guild.
With the collaboration of its members, as well as other guilds and butchers from all over the country and suppliers, they began a series of actions, such as requesting machinery that could be given to the affected professionals so that they can begin to open their businesses as soon as possible.
Thus, last Wednesday, November 6, the president of the guild, Antoni Gálvez, and its manager, Elena Carrasco, made the first trip to Valencia, with material provided by its members (packaging machines, cutters, etc.) as well as bags and paper, provided by a supplier and which were delivered in the municipalities of Algemesí and Aldaia, in the butcher shops that were preparing to open and part was stored to be delivered as soon as required.
A good part of the material was stored to be delivered as soon as other butchers require it.
A donation account has also been opened that will be entirely destined to those affected, which has managed to raise 16,000 euros so far, thanks to personal contributions and those obtained thanks to the participation of the butcher shops that have placed piggy banks for contributions from customers.
In some of these places, even original initiatives have been launched, such as raffles for shopping vouchers, hams and other products that encourage donations.
Solidarity from all over Spain
The initiative of the Barcelona Guild has found echo in other parts of Spain, where many professionals in the sector have wanted to collaborate in this solidarity action and have channeled their support through the Barcelona guild.
Upcoming actions to support Valencia
The commitment of the Barcelona Butchers Guild continues, and next Friday, November 22, a group of 9 refrigeration technicians/electricians from Cocifred Serveis Tècnics will travel to the different municipalities to altruistically carry out repair and tune-up work on the refrigeration equipment in the affected establishments. These actions, which will extend until Sunday, November 24, seek to facilitate the recovery of the facilities and offer the technical assistance necessary to reactivate the businesses.
An example of unity and solidarity in the sector
“This solidarity initiative is an example of the strong commitment that unites the professionals of the specialized meat trade in Spain. We are proud of the response we have received, not only from Barcelona, but from the entire country, and we will continue working together to continue helping our colleagues from the Valencia Guild, with whom we maintain daily communication,” said Antoni Gálvez.
