Expats in Spain look to charity for basics
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 @ 5:35 PM
Christmas hampers for elderly Britons are arriving with a difference in Spain this year. Instead of being filled with chocolates and other treats, the Age Concern boxes in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca will contain dog food, washing powder and other necessities.
"'This year we are being asked to put the basics into the hampers, not luxury goods," said Judith Ferris, president of Age Concern's local branch. "Up until this month it was tough, but we were coping on a day-to-day basis. But in the last 10 days it has been hitting them hard. Panic is beginning to set in." After the Christmas break, it will start running its traditional Winter Warmer mornings - but will offer a bowl of soup and some bread rather than the customary tea or coffee. What is important now is survival, not etiquette.
The Costa Blanca is famous as the home of Britons who arrived as healthy sixtysomethings, before creating English communities in the sun and never learning the language. Now, hitting 80 and ill health, many are struggling to pay the bills. Age Concern España now has five centres and a helpline. The work carried out by its volunteers has trebled over the last year, as more and more Britons encounter financial problems. The big choice for those in hardship is between staying in Spain or returning to their roots.
For those staying, there is something of a wartime spirit, but without the youthful zest. "It's a question of going back to basics," said Jackie Codd, president of Age Concern in Mallorca. "They are doing what they did in the war and after. Many aren't going out and don't mix. It is a very serious problem."