Bilbao's Charity Txoko Day to Fund Pediatric Oncology Gym

Several Casco Viejo txokos will open their doors to raise funds for the La Cuadri del Hospi association.

Generic image: Txoko atmosphere, people enjoying pintxos and music.
IA

Generic image: Txoko atmosphere, people enjoying pintxos and music.

Bilbao's Casco Viejo district will embrace solidarity this Saturday, May 23rd, with the second Charity Txoko Day. From noon to 3 PM, several txokos will open their doors, blending gastronomy, music, and social commitment.

This initiative, which last year raised 3,200 euros for the Aspanovas association, aims to surpass that figure this year to directly support La Cuadri del Hospi. The chosen vital project is the creation of a specialized gym for pediatric cancer patients, a pioneering initiative in Euskadi to study the impact of supervised physical exercise on the recovery of minors.
During the event, attendees can visit participating txokos, including Txoko Uri Zarra (La Torre street, 6), Los Incomprendidos (Muelle de la Merced, 1), Zazpi-Kale (Ronda street, 10), and Indartzu (García Rivero street, 3). These venues will offer pintxos, music, and feature merchandising tables and donation boxes.
Members and volunteers from La Cuadri del Hospi will be present to explain their work at their welcoming center near the hospital, where families find support during long treatment waits. "This space helps them connect with families going through similar experiences," explains Débora Martín, a worker at La Cuadri del Hospi.
The event not only aims to raise funds but also to bring the reality of txokos closer to the public, showcasing them as open spaces committed to their community. The proceeds will fund rehabilitation gym equipment, which will include a commemorative plaque for the supporters. It's a unique opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the Casco Viejo txokos while contributing to a project described as "urgent and necessary."
The comprehensive rehabilitation program, driven by La Cuadri del Hospi in collaboration with Aita Menni Hospital in Arrasate, is crucial for treating the after-effects of illness and cancer therapies in minors. Since 2019, this agreement has funded specialized therapies, including physiotherapy to combat fatigue and restore motor functions after prolonged hospital stays.
Beyond the physical aspect, the program offers multidisciplinary support, encompassing speech therapy and cognitive support to enhance attention and memory, as well as ongoing family counseling. This integrated approach enables hundreds of children to not only receive medical treatment but also regain the autonomy needed for their daily lives.