Global Giving: The LaTienda.com Holiday Fundraiser ‘Campaign for Spain’ with Actress Penelope Cruz

December 4, 2012

La Tienda CEO Tim Harris and actress Penelope Cruz partner in the 2012 ‘Campaign for Spain’ to bring aid to Spanish food banks over the holiday season.
Laurie Hager

“Even more than the funds raised thus far, we've been reminded of the unbelievable capacity of Americans to help those in need, even while they are also facing hardships at home,” noted Tim Harris in his recently published Op/Ed in the Huffington Post. “People are helping Spain and also helping those in their own community or giving relief for the victims of Sandy. They tell us they feel blessed to be able to help people at home and around the world.”

La Tienda launched the Campaign for Spain in early November to support the Spanish Federation of Food Banks (FESBAL). With Spain suffering through its worst social and economic crisis in at least a generation, and unemployment at 25% work, La Tienda is uniquely positioned to help. La Tienda is raising funds, matching dollar for dollar, donations given on the website, up to $25,000.

“When we launched the campaign, we all sat and waited for the first Facebook responses to come in, our eyes glued to the monitors and iPhone screens. Our community of Spain enthusiasts rallied and our website donations began to flow immediately, quickly raising over $10,000 in just over a week. School groups pledged to help our efforts, business partners committed to donate. We've been inspired by how many have joined us in our little campaign and we hope it will have a big impact,” noted Harris.

The Campaign for Spain runs through January 31st 2013 and La Tienda is on track to far exceed its goals. Visitors to the site may donate directly to the Campaign for Spain (no purchase is necessary). Additionally, new and current customers are given the opportunity to donate as they check out online or call in to the company’s call center by adding a few dollars to their order. 100% of the money raised will be given to FESBAL. There are no administrative fees taken by La Tienda.

"Join me in lending your support to the La Tienda 'Campaign for Spain' to help raise much-needed funds for the Spanish Federation of Food Banks,” urged actress Penelope Cruz, herself a native of Madrid. “Together we can bring assistance to those families who need it most. Please visit the website and do whatever you can to help. Thank you."

La Tienda owners, Tim and Jonathan Harris, visited the FESBAL headquarters in Madrid to see firsthand, the activities of this esteemed organization in October of 2012. Established in 1996, FESBAL coordinates the efforts and activities of fifty-four localized food banks across all of Spain. FESBAL manages relationships with central government agencies, international organizations and other non-profit organizations and companies that provide food assistance.

"We are delighted to partner with La Tienda and the Harris family on the Campaign for Spain,” said José Antonio Busto Villa, President of FESBAL. "This thoughtful initiative will bring significant assistance to those families most in need."

Since its inception, La Tienda has supported local food banks in Virginia and continues to do so. In addition, La Tienda donates annually to a variety of charitable organizations in support of the Williamsburg community. “We hope that the ‘Campaign for Spain’ will be an equally successful international effort and we appreciate any support you can give,” added Harris.

Link: http://campaignforspain.com/

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