Salvador Belda: "This is our way of helping healthcare workers, who are battling on the frontline against this virus

VCF Foundation patron Salvador Belda gave further details about the donation of the use of 50 apartments to healthcare professionals during the coronavirus crisis, in an interview on Tuesday with VCF Media.

“I think that we are doing a lot of good things, with our collaborations with Casa Caridad and LaLiga. This is our way of helping healthcare workers, who are battling on the frontline against this virus,” he commented.

The VCF Foundation patron also revealed that the move was inspired by a similar contribution to the cause by Valencia CF majority shareholder Peter Lim.

“This idea came about at the end of last week, when we saw that Peter Lim was making his two hotels in Manchester available to health workers. From there, we began work on this project. It’s all gone very well and moved very quickly.”

Explaining the importance of the initiative, Belda said that for many healthcare professionals maintaining a distance from family members was essential.

“There are many cases in which they don’t want to sleep at home, and they go to beachside apartments to avoid the risk of spreading the virus to their families. That’s where us organising this initiative comes in. There’s a lot of work behind it, because then there is the matter of washing and cleaning. We have it all under control, and either today or tomorrow they will be able to move into the apartments.”

Helping with the costs involved is Albert Celades, who will cover the laundry and energy expenses incurred.

“I think that, regardless of this crisis, Valencia CF have always tried to help. It’s in our DNA,” says Belda. “There is great sacrifice made by everybody, but above all the coach has been very kind with his contribution. Right from the start, he got behind it and said ‘don’t worry, that’s what we are here for.’ We have to thank him for his willingness to help and his solidarity.”

 “We’ve always looked to see what contributions we can make. The VCF Foundation has always aimed to help all types of groups who are Valencianistas or people from our city.”