The Solidarity Shields initiative, known by the hashtag #PelsValents, has reached a historic milestone thanks to the direct involvement of Local Police, Urban Guard, and Civil Protection officers. From Abrera to Viladecans, officers from twenty-three municipalities have led the way in fundraising for the SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona.
“"The beginnings were modest, but the people's response was extraordinary. The strength of this initiative has always been the people and their solidarity."
The project started nine years ago when Xavier Muñoz, chief of the Caldes de Malavella Local Police, and Sito Cano, an officer from Cambrils, decided to create custom police patches. This humble gesture has grown into a nationwide movement involving nearly two hundred emergency service bodies across Spain.
The funds are directly allocated to the oncology department at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Esplugues de Llobregat. According to Glòria Garcia, head of Childhood Social Work, these donations are vital for equipping laboratories and supporting research projects that improve the lives of children fighting cancer.
