Community spirit shone brightly in Mijas on Friday, April 3, when volunteers from La Cala de Mijas Lions Club joined forces with the Phoenix Singers to present two huge cheques at Donkey Dreamland sanctuary near La Cala de Mijas.

Heartfelt visit strengthens local animal welfare ties

Members of both groups travelled to the peaceful, but sometimes difficult to traverse, hillside rescue centre, surrounded by olive groves and offering stunning sea views. They handed over €1,125 raised through dedicated fundraising efforts from La Cala Lions and the Phoenix Singers to help cover essential care costs for the rescued donkeys. Sanctuary staff warmly welcomed the visitors, sharing stories of rehabilitation and daily challenges in providing lifelong homes for injured, abused or neglected animals.

Phoenix singers add musical joy to meaningful occasion

Performers from the Alhaurin el Grande-based choir brought extra warmth to the gathering. Known for their vibrant harmonies and commitment to charity performances across Malaga Province, the group has frequently supported La Cala Lions events and organisations like Donkey Dreamland, including recent markets and fairs. Their presence turned the donation moment into a celebration of compassion, showing how music and philanthropy combine effectively in the Costa del Sol expat and local communities.

Ongoing partnership benefits Donkey Dreamland operations

Donkey Dreamland relies heavily on public generosity, with monthly running expenses reaching around €4,500 for feed, veterinary care, and maintenance. Previous donations from La Cala Lions have already funded new paddocks and several months of supplies, allowing more donkeys to find safety in this ethical sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, gentle interactions, and educational experiences that promote responsible animal welfare while boycotting exploitative practices elsewhere in the region.

La Cala Lions continue strong tradition of local giving

La Cala de Mijas Lions Club, operating without paid staff and just with the endless energy and enthusiasm of its volunteers, channels all proceeds from charity shops and events directly into worthy causes. Recent 2026 activities such as the Forget Me Not Tree & Valentine’s Market and the popular Waiter’s Race have helped sustain support for families, health initiatives, and now animal rescues.

One for everyone in the Costa del Sol to mark in their calendars is World Donkey Day on Friday, May 8, when Donkey Dreamland will be celebrating the strength and spirit of our loyal Andalusian friends, the Mijas donkeys. Tickets will be available at donkeydreamland.com/events.

Fighting in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has reached a pivotal stage. The ongoing confrontation centres on control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage through which a significant proportion of the world’s oil supply is transported. Any disruption in the area could have consequences far beyond the region, affecting global energy markets and international trade.

Amid this backdrop, Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding that the strait be reopened. On Tuesday April 7, Trump posted a series of messages on social media, stating: “This night a whole civilisation will die, never to return.” He added: “I do not want this to happen, but probably it will,” and suggested a potential breakthrough, writing: “Perhaps something revolutionary and wonderful may occur… Who knows? We will find out tonight.” The ultimatum is set to expire at 08:00pm local time, 02:00am CEST on Wednesday.

Threats to Iranian infrastructure

The United States has made clear that failure to comply could result in targeted strikes against Iranian infrastructure. Bridges and power plants have been explicitly mentioned as potential targets if the Iranian leadership refuses to reopen the strait. Trump emphasised that the current authorities in Tehran, whom he described as “different minds, smarter and less radicalised,” were negotiating in good faith to avoid violent outcomes.

Despite these statements, Iran has consistently rejected Washington’s demands and presented its own ten-point plan. J.D. Vance said on Tuesday: “We will obtain a response, and we hope it is the correct response,” underscoring the high stakes involved in the confrontation.

Iranian counter-threats

Iran has issued warnings that it may abandon restraint if the United States targets civilian infrastructure. The Revolutionary Guard highlighted the potential for attacks beyond the Middle East, warning that the US and its allies could be denied access to oil and gas supplies in the region for years. The statement also cautioned Gulf Arab allies of Washington that operations against US interests in their territories could continue if the United States carries out its threats.

Civilian mobilisation

Across Tehran and other cities, thousands of Iranians have mobilised to protect critical infrastructure. Human chains have formed at power plants and bridges, following appeals from authorities. Alireza Rahimi, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, encouraged young people to participate, stating that these demonstrations aim to “tell the world that attacking public infrastructure is a war crime.”

Military operations

Alongside political and civilian developments, military operations continue in the region. On Tuesday, joint forces from the United States and Israel conducted strikes on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil industry. The attacks targeted bunkers, radar stations, and ammunition depots, reportedly affecting dozens of military installations. Kharg Island handles 90% of Iran’s oil exports, making it a strategic location central to military planning since the start of hostilities.

Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. Any disruption to the passage of vessels could directly affect international oil and gas markets, making the region a point of focus for governments and businesses worldwide. The strait’s strategic significance underpins both Washington’s demands and Tehran’s resistance, as control over the passage carries both economic and military weight.

International context

The escalation occurs amid longstanding disputes over regional influence and maritime security. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the combination of threats, military activity, and civilian mobilisation has raised the stakes. Analysts note that actions in the coming hours will be critical in determining whether negotiations can prevent further confrontation or whether the situation will escalate into broader conflict.

Conclusion

As the ultimatum’s deadline approaches, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile. Donald Trump’s warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” underscores the seriousness of the confrontation, while ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Kharg Island demonstrate the military stakes. At the same time, Iranian counter-threats and the mobilisation of civilians around bridges and power plants reflect both the regime’s defiance and the population’s involvement.

Analysts and international observers emphasise that the coming hours are critical. Any miscalculation could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global energy supplies. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the combined effect of political ultimatums, military operations, and public mobilisation means that the next phase of the conflict will be decisive in determining whether tensions escalate further or negotiations prevail.

Twice a week A new community initiative, Saltwater Sisters, is making waves on the Costa del Sol by bringing women together through the simple yet powerful act of stepping into the sea.

Founded by Emma Thorne Lees, Saltwater Sisters offers a welcoming space for women – particularly those navigating midlife, relocation, or life transitions – to reconnect with themselves and others through regular sea dips, conversation and shared experience.

What began as a small gathering has quickly grown into a supportive community where women can show up exactly as they are- whether they’re seeking friendship, calm, confidence, or just a reason to get into the water on a chilly morning.

“There’s something incredibly grounding about the sea,” says Emma, founder of Saltwater Sisters. “But what’s even more powerful is what else happens – the conversations, the laughter, the sense that you’re not doing life on your own.”

The group meets regularly at this local beach on the Costa del Sol and welcomes women of all swimming abilities as we mainly bob around and chat. There is no pressure to swim far or fast, simply being present for ourselves and each other is enough. More than just a swim group, Saltwater Sisters reflects a growing desire among women for real-life connection, wellbeing and community, outside in nature in an increasingly busy and disconnected world.

“Uplifting, calming, and quietly transformative”

Participants describe the experience as uplifting, calming, and quietly transformative, breaking life’s autopilot and giving them real self-belief and presence. “It’s become a highlight of my week,” says Susan. “It is a time when I get to forget everything and just enjoy the moment.”

Saltwater Sisters meets twice a week for sea dips, a hot drink and protein balls (provided) and costs €5 (free for the first time). It is open to new members and also has a new free monthly midlife reset & release walk in Torremuelle, Benalmadena too later this month.

Activities planned:

• Sea dips/swims – Tuesday, April 14, 21 and 28 – 9am.
• Sunday, April 19 and 26 – 10am. Carvajal Beach.
• Free Midlife Reset & Release – Friday, April 17 – 5.30pm. Torremuelle, Benalmadena.

For more information, please contact: WhatsApp Emma – 711 005 716 or email hello@emmathornelees.com Facebook/Instagram: @emmathecrossroadscoach Website – www.emmathornelees.com