At this event, we will hear a shocking first-hand account from the Seville fire-fighters of the Proeim Aid NGO, by way of a presentation showing their work on the island of Lesbos saving lives on the Mediterranean Sea, which I had the opportunity to see in action during my time in Greece last summer. These fire-fighters received the “Seville International Impact Prize” [Proyección Internacional de Sevilla] from the “Open Seville” [Sevilla Abierta] organisation for their incredible humanitarian labour. More information at http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2870937/0/iniciativa-sevilla-abierta-reconoce-labor-bomberos-lesbos-valeriano-ruiz/

After the presentation, the orchestra will enliven the occasion with a program designed specially for the event by its Director, Mr Michael Thomas, in the Patio of the Columns [Patio de Columnas]. Finally, the event will conclude with a raffle, made possible by the patronage of some of the most recognised businesses in Andalucía.

The goal of the ceremony is to raise funds for the Elea Project [Proyecto Elea]; a small NGO which provides food, clothing, education materials, sports supplies and activities for the refugees who reside at the Eleonas refugee camp in Athens.

The donations will be shared with the fire-fighters of Seville, who have spent 6 months on the island of Lesbos, rescuing people from the ocean in their attempt to reach Europe. In that time, the team of fire-fighters saved more than 60,000 lives. This financial support will help them to return to Lesbos and continue their work.