Spanish students are helping other young people make it to WYD

Charity events, raffles, fundraisers...any excuse is good for raising funds to help offer the chance of attending WYD 2011 to young people from countries where paying a plane ticket to Europe is unthinkable.

This was the idea that first-year students at Madrid’s Highlands School had when they decided to organize a charity event. They did it all themselves. They hired the DJ, bought the drinks, cleaned up the school gym, and using social networks, invited crowds of young people to attend. There was a very positive response: about 600 students attended the alcohol-free celebration.

The result: 2,500 euros sent to the solidarity fund and missions in Mexico.

Ezequiel (right) will be able to make it to World Youth Day, thanks to the Solidarity Fund

Something similar took place with a group of students that organized a surprise party for one of their friends on his birthday. Instead of buying a gift, they decided to donate all the money to the solidarity fund. A total of 252 euros ended up being sent to this fund, and young people like Ezequiel Escobar of Argentina have seen their dream of attending WYD come true.

Upon hearing the news, the young man commented: "This is a really exciting moment for me. Just thinking that I could participate in WYD is something beyond words. Knowing that we will be with the Pope, the successor of Peter, the greatest authority of our Church and that we will share our faith with millions of youth from around the world is empowering."

If you want to contribute to the Solidarity Fund and help young people from poorer nations to enjoy this great celebration of faith, you can do so through the website muchasgracias.info