Solidarity gala brought together more than 400 people in Caracas

“ ANDthis gala had very simple objectives. The first was to make one more concrete gesture in favour of those who, with earthquakes and even without earthquakes, are in a bad state of life and are experiencing many difficulties. In Venezuelan society, in general, but also in the Portuguese and Portuguese-venezuelan community,” said the Portuguese ambassador.

Manuel Frederico Pinheiro da Silva spoke to the agency Lusa, in the Centro Português de Caracas, on the edge of the “A Hand Amiga” gala that, he said, “it was also a moment of union” that in difficult times “brings strength to everyone and to each one”, and allowed raising funds for local social actions.

“ This was the first objective and I think it was very well achieved, given the audience we had of many hundreds of participants, Portuguese, Venezuelans, of other nationalities, diplomats, of all kinds of segments of society ", said.

According to the diplomat, the gala allowed a musical show with Portuguese singer and composer Sofia Ribeiro and Colombian pianist João Andrés Ospina, in which also participated the Luso-venezuela groups of Fados Madragoa and Banda Show partners.

Also the emerite guitarist Jenny da Silva, and Luso-venezuelan singers Gaby Cabrail, Liliana de Faria, as well as the well-known Venezuelan Sofia Castillo, participated.

“ Therefore, both musically and in its most important objective, that was to show solidarity and to raise means to give concrete expression to this solidarity, it was a successful moment ", said the ambassador.

When the global value raised was questioned, he explained that it was not yet totalized.

“ We had more than 400 people, perhaps 500 (...) We had sold out, and all the revenue raised, 100% of this recipe, will be divided into four equal slices to benefit four Portuguese-venezuela entities that do a fantastic, serious, brave and very determined work for the most needy ", highlighted Manuel Frederico Pinheiro da Silva.

The diplomat specified that the value raised will be destined to the Society of Benefits of Portuguese Ladies of Caracas, to the NGO “Regala Una Sonrisa” (Give a smile), to the Portuguese Geriatric Lar of Maracay and to the Home of the Third Age Father Joaquim Ferreira.

“ There are four entities that pride us and put in those who most need the comfort that is so much needed ", said.

The “A friendly hand” gala was organized by the Portuguese Embassy in Venezuela and by Camões IP, with the support of the Portuguese Center of Caracas, Laser Airlines, PCNET and TAP Air Portugal.

The double earthquake of June 24 caused serious damage to infrastructure, wounded and fatalities in seven states of Venezuela: Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, Lara, Yaracuy and La Guaira, the latter the most affected.

According to the latest updated review released by the authorities, 6,509 people died and 226,696 injured were assisted in Venezuelan hospitals after earthquakes.

Among the fatalities, there are at least 138 Portuguese and Portuguese.