We’re all very aware of our privilege, and we’re grateful that we’re able to enjoy the sun, fun and after-dark frolics here on the white isle every summer. This got us to thinking: wouldn’t it be nice if – while we’re busy dancing our hearts out in Freddies every night – we could also help make a difference to those in Ibiza who are less fortunate? It’s as simple as a quick tap on your card or phone on the way through our gates.
First things first: entry to Pikes and Freddies has always (and will always) be free. This hasn’t changed. Our new charitable donation initiative runs alongside the Pikes guestlist every night, working hand-in-hand with representatives from our selected local organisations who’ll ensure that 100% of your donation goes directly to those who need it. When you arrive at Pikes, you’ll be greeted by our lovely team, as always, and as your name is ticked off the list, you’ll be asked to donate a minimum of 5€ to the evening’s charity-of-choice before you enter the venue (and OF COURSE you can feel free to donate more than the minimum if you’re feeling generous, every amount is appreciated). At this point, we’ll introduce you to the wonderful charity reps, who’ll be manning the organisation’s own card machines and within one quick tap, you’ll be on your way into the wonderful world of Pikes…
This little detail is important. We want you to know that your hard-earned cash is going straight to charity on the night that you donate – it’s not being collected by Pikes, plonked into a money box and saved up until the end of the summer, or until we reach a certain amount. This is instant. For complete transparency, donations are only accepted by card so there’s always a paper trail and no questions about what could happen with cold hard cash (does anyone even use cash these days?). There’ll be a clear signpost at the door stating which charity is being supported on the night, and you can also feel free to ask the charity reps more about their good cause if you’d like to know how your donation will be used to help.
Without any further ado, we’d like to introduce you to the five main charities we’ve opted to support throughout the season. Each charity will receive between four to six weeks of support at our events, and if you really quickly do the math in your head (a fiver per person and a packed Freddies dancefloor), just think what a difference we can help make.
APFEM – Asociación Pitiusa Pro Salud Mental
This is the big-hearted local organisation that works tirelessly to help improve the quality of life for people with a diagnosis of mental health or developmental disorders, along with supporting their families. Here in Ibiza, their main objective is to help those with disabilities integrate into society, facilitate their autonomy and raise awareness in both public and private services – APFEM, we salute you!
AFAEF – Asociación de Familiares de Enfermos de Alzheimer d’Eivissa y Formentera
We all know that Alzheimer’s Disease is a truly heartbreaking medical diagnosis on many levels, due to the ways it affects not just the person living with the disease, but their loved ones too. AFAEF is a non-profit organisation in Ibiza and Formentera that strives to help improve the living situations of those living with and those affected by Alzheimer’s – patients, families and caregivers alike – with a respite unit and headquarters designed to provide multi-care services including therapy, psychology, home care, physical support and much, much more. A truly humbling and honorable cause.
AEMIF – Asociación de Esclerosis Múltiple de Ibiza y Formentera
A day centre and non-profit association that cares for people in Ibiza and Formentera with physical disabilities caused by acquired brain damage, spinal cord injury and/or neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Sclerosis. Lateral Amyotrophic or Huntington’s Chorea, among others. Run by a team of dedicated and passionate professionals – including team members affected by neurogenerative diseases themselves – AEMIF approaches its services from a humanistic perspective, leading by example with workshops, group activities, individual therapies and sessions and so much more.
Fundación Conciencia Ibiza
A non-profit foundation run by Alba Pau, a long-term friend of the Pikes family, Fundación Conciencia Ibiza provides help for children who suffer abuse, exploitation, assault, rape or sexual abuse. Working alongside families, social workers, lawyers, psychologists, mediators, public administration officials and other non-profit organisations, the team are dedicated to improving the child protection system, promoting coaching for parents, support for families whose children are in detention centres and providing support to those in velnerable situations.
IFCC – Ibiza and Formentera Against Cancer Association
This non-governmental, non-profit organisation is dedicated to the fight against this disease in the Pitiusas, and ensures that each and every contribution made to the cause stays in the Pitiusas (the islands of Ibiza and Formentera) and reaches those in need in our local areas. Made up entirely of volunteers, the association creates prevention and early detection programmes to support cancer patients and their families throughout all stages of the illness, providing services such as financial assistance, psyhcological support, transport, orthopaedic equipment and more, completely free of charge.
In addition to these five chosen charities, we’ll continue to support MPT (Mercury Phoenix Trust) in the fight against HIV and AIDS through our annual Freddie Rocks fundraising event, and we’ll also partner with our friends from Care4Cats on one-off events, as we have in the past – we’ll keep you posted via our social media on updates.
As you drink, dance, dine and stay with us this summer, we thank you for your support in ensuring these vital services on our island can continue to take care of those in need behind the scenes. It takes a village – and we are the village! Dig deep, dance hard, and feel good.
