A €5 raffle ticket that could win you a hotel break, dinners out, fashion and a spa treatment, will also help seriously ill children and their families in Malaga have a happier Christmas this year.

Cotter Comunicacion has launched a three-part festive campaign in support of Fundacion Olivares, to bring businesses and neighbours into one project so that Christmas feels a little brighter for the families who need it most. The campaign includes a charity hamper raffle, a toy and gift collection and a Christmas market on December 20.

A Christmas hamper that keeps growing

Local and national companies, brands and organisations are donating products and experiences to the Great Charity Christmas Hamper, which is already worth more than €6,000 and rising daily. Tickets are on sale now, and every cent raised goes to the charity. The draw takes place on December 20 at 5.30pm.

Prizes so far include a voucher to rent a dress from Novva Drop, a blazer from Julieta Brand and two nights at the Gran Hotel Miramar. The winner can also look forward to dinners at Trocadero, El Balneario, Er Pichi de Cai and Sushita, a painting by Laura Zambrano and a handbag by Ana Vera. There is also a facial at La Pausa Spa and a family pass for the Holiday World Beach Club.

Dozens of businesses have already joined in, including Inspiring Soho, Vera Blonde, Farmacia Cerrado de Calderon, ZAMRODart, and many more.

Fortuny Hogares Unicos is also sponsoring the campaign, and its financial contribution benefits the charity. Other companies keen to get involved can contact the agency to find out how.

Where to buy your raffle tickets

Anyone in Malaga can pick up tickets at seven locations:

– Fundacion Olivares headquarters: Avenida Arroyo de los Angeles 50
– El Balneario: Calle Bolivia, 2
– Cotter Comunicacion: Paseo de Cerrado de Calderon
– Farmacia Cerrado de Calderon: Paseo de Cerrado de Calderon, 18
– Paulette: Paseo de Reding, 53
– La Danse Studio: Paseo de Cerrado de Calderon, 18, Edificio Mercurio, third floor
– Coser y Planchar: Paseo Cerrado de Calderon, 1, Multicentro

Vanessa believes the price is small but the impact is big. “For five euros, anyone can help Fundacion Olivares and have a chance of winning a hamper we are preparing with so much love,” she says. “We’d like people to feel it belongs to all of Malaga.”

Toys and gifts so no child is left out

Children and teenagers are at the heart of the second part of the campaign. Organisers are collecting new, unused toys and gifts, from children’s games to ideas that suit teenagers, such as tech products, make-up and games.

Donations can be dropped off at the charity’s headquarters or at the agency’s office. Individuals and businesses are both welcome to take part, and teenagers deserve special thought, as their tastes matter too when choosing a present.

Christmas market on December 20

Sunday, December 20 brings everything to El Balneario, one of Malaga’s best-known venues, which is lending its space free of charge. The market runs from 12pm to 7pm with free entry and live music, where the hamper draw will take place. Full details will follow closer to Christmas.

A community effort for a shared cause

Fundacion Olivares, founded by Andres Olivares has supported children with cancer in the Malaga area since 2010, and has since widened its help to children with other serious long-term illnesses and their families.

Andres says the charity is grateful to everyone taking part. “Behind every collaboration there are people who choose to give their time and resources to help others,” he explains. “Christmas is a particularly special time for children and families, and we hope many people will join in so that, together, we can go further.”

Vanessa has the final word. “You don’t need to do anything huge to help: every ticket, every gift and every collaboration counts. If we all give a little, together we can do something far bigger.”

To see more of the incredible work the charity do you can visit their website here.