HOPE Mallorca fights against hunger
The need on Mallorca caused by COVID-19 is getting worse and worse. Many families and businesses have found themselves in a precarious situation, as about 80% of the island’s population lives from tourism, which has been almost non-existent or very limited for almost a year now. The neediness on Mallorca is increasing and will continue to increase in the coming weeks and months.
DATA & FACTS
- Every 4th Spaniard (10 million out of 47 million inhabitants) lives on the poverty line
- The unemployment rate in September 2020 was 16%. In comparison: Unemployment rate in Germany in September 2020 6%.
- The youth unemployment rate was around 40.4% in September 2020
The current situation on the Balearic Islands
- 18% of residents live on the poverty line.
- 26,000 people applied for minimum income (comparable to Hartz IV) at the beginning of the pandemic. 24,500 applications were granted immediately. To date, these minimum incomes have not been paid to even 5.2% (1,267) of the applicants.
- In addition, many payments, such as short-time allowance (ERTE), have already been in arrears for months.
- The minimum income is about 325€ per month. There is no other assistance, such as rent subsidy, electricity allowance or similar. An average rent in Mallorca is already 500 € - 600 €.
Poverty and neediness have thus become a sad reality on Mallorca since the beginning of the pandemic, which must be fought. The registered non-profit association HOPE Mallorca, together with its numerous volunteers, is facing this challenge with all its might. HOPE Mallorca gives help and hope to the inhabitants of the island through the distribution of food and articles of daily use (hygiene articles, nappies, baby food, etc.) and thus shows that solidarity and charity are of great importance, not only in these difficult times.
HOPE Mallorca was founded at the beginning of the pandemic in May 2020 by Heimke Mansfeld, Jasmin Nordiek and Sonja Willner. Today, HOPE Mallorca distributes 28 tonnes of food per month to over 2,300 people in need through 6 distribution stations in Santanyí, Portocolom, S’Illot, Pollença, Can Picafort and Llucmajor. The team of volunteers has grown from 3 to over 100 people in a very short time. The volunteers do an unbelievable job - from organising, storing and packaging goods to distributing them - eye to eye with the needy, always keeping an eye on the Corona protection measures.
Donation account - HOPE Mallorca e.V.
Bank Cajamar Santanyí
IBAN: ES96 3058 4516 4327 2000 8258 BIC: CCRIES2AXXX
Every cent donated goes 100% towards the purchase of food. All helpers work on a voluntary basis, including the board.
Further information about HOPE MALLORCA
